importance of conserva-
tion./Page 14E
ONLINE POLL:
Share your view
Should Citrus County com-
missioners expand spend-
ing for programs like free
shoes for workers?
A. Yes. Some
( workers who
needed shoes
were left out
. *of the pro-
gram.
B. No. Commissioners
should'look at ways to cut
spending.
C. Yes. They should buy
shoes and give cars to all
their employees.
D. I think we are making too
much of this.
To vote, simply access the
Chronicle Web site,
www.chronicleonline.com.
Results will appear in next
.-Sunday's edition. .-
Last week's results.

Single-copy rate
to increase
On Monday, the price "
of a single copy edition of
the Citrus County
Chronicle will increase to
50 cents. The price
increase on the daily edi-
tion is necessary
because of the rising
costs of gasoline and raw
materials. This is the first
Increase. in the store and
rack rate of the Chronicle
since the 1970s. The
Sunday price will remain
at 75 cents. The home
delivery rate for the
Chronicle will not be
affected by this increase.

DAVE SIGLER/Chronicle
Richard Hamel talks about his experience on Landing Ship Tank 447. The ship was hit by a kamikaze pilot on
April 6, 1945, while on duty in the Pacific Ocean. Hamel was on the port side of the ship when it was struck.

Citrus. Springs

SHEMIR WILES
swiles@chronicleonline.com
Chronicle
It was about 4:27 p.m. April 6,
1945, when a low-flyiyg plane
was spotted heading toward
the LST-447. The ship opened
fire, but the plane didn't waver. It
continued on its collision course
with the tank landing ship.
The kamikaze landed midship,
right in the engine room. The
bomb in the aircraft exploded,
causing smoke and flames to
engulf,the ship's midsection. All
this was captured in photographs
and after 44 years, Richard

man recalls WWII kamikaze attack

Hamel, a Citrus Springs resident,
received one. He was on the ill-
fated ship when the attack hap-
pened. He said he didn't see
when the kamikaze struck
f"The bridge was in the way."
He usually worked in the
engine room, but that day he was
passing ammunition.
"I was at a gun station," Hamel
said. "It was kind of a shock When
they said, 'abandon ship,' we all
jumped overboard."
He said he could feel the
intense heat from the fire. The
kamikaze plane's aviation gas
ignited and those flames were fed
by the ship's shattered fuel tanks.

The fire could have been worse on
a ship that normally transported
ammunition, fuel and other highly
explosive materials. Fortunately,
the ship was unloaded that day.
However, the ship lost power after
taking a direct hit to the engine
room, so the crew wasn't able to
put out the fire.
"It was one of the bad days,"
Hamel said.
Luckily, other ships were in the
ares gathering or a convoy, so they
were able to help the survivors
from the water. Six people died.
"I never thought if there were
Please see ,(, - . %.'- Page 4A

Wetland preservationists and developers seek options

Recreated wetlnds considered 4d1 ,

Jim HUNTER
jhurter@chronicleonline.com
Chronicle
One f the is'secs surrounding the
controversial plan for commercial
development of the land catty-cor-
ner to Home Depot on U.S. 19 is that
of wetland destruction.
The potential developer says the
project can be done with minimum
destruction of wetlands, and it can
make up for the 10 .acres it destroys
by recreating other wetlands.
Some opponents, such as mem-
bers of the Homosassa River
Alliance and ''the Kings Bay
Association, want no wetlands
destroyed at all, and some dispute
that wetlands can even be artificial-
ly created, although the state and
regional water district permit it as
part of mitigation for wetland
destruction.

Friday, a local environmental sci-
entist who constructs wetlands as
part of his consulting business, and
who has been hired by the develop-
er on the U.S. 19 project, showed
some of the opponents wetlands he
recreated in Crystal River in years
past.
It was one of two wetlands he cre-
ated adjacent to the city's waste-
water treatment plant. They were
done in 1992 and the one he showed
was done to make up for some wet-
lands taken when the plant was
expanded.
Michael Czerwinski, a licensed
professional geologist and profes-
sional wetlands scientist from
Lecanto, told the group he had not
been back to the site since 2001,
when the Southwest Florida Water
Management District gave its
Please see OPTIONS/Page 5A

BRIAN LaPETER/Chronlcle
Michael Czerwinski gives a tour Friday of a man-made wetlands near the Crystal
River wastewater treatment plant. The geologist has been creating wetlands for
20 years and was showing the group what can be done at the proposed site of
a shopping plaza at West Venable Street and U.S. 19 south of Crystal River.

Hot potal
Haii.B�M"'"fa~ii wSPIN~~iwst

HIGH
80
LOW
62

Traffic
fatality

Florida Highway Patrol troop-
ers investigate a three-car
accident Saturday morning
at the intersection of U.S. 19
and West Cypress Boulevard,
the entrance to Sugarmill
Woods, that resulted in the
death of a passenger in a
late-model Ford Taurus. The
accident blocked the north-
bound lane of the highway
until late morning, forcing
cars to be routed through
the median and backing up
traffic around the crash.
DAVE SIGLER/Chronicle

Wi-VS^JSL.JHU^^M.'^.sutsawisSt

75 VOLUME 120 No. 97

No

charges

filed in

ERC case

Some disagree on

how money vanished
KErn LYNN MCHALE
kmchale@chronicleonline.com
Chronicle
It's been 11 days since Citrus
County School officials announced
$678,000 in taxpayers' money, intend-
ed for the school district, was
deposited into an Alabama consult-
ing corporation's bank account
Four clients in four states, includ-
ing Citrus County School District
officials, say they're owed federal
reimbursement
checks from FUr
Jonathan M. Four
Slaughter, owner clients in
and chief execu-
tive officer of four
e R a t e
Consulting states,
Services (ERC),
LLC. including
There have
been no charges Citrus
against
Slaughter and County
his consulting
corporation is School
still in service. District
He is not named
on the Universal officials,
S e r v i c e
Administrative say they're
Company's
(USAC) Web site owed
on the "list of
persons sus- checks
pended or
debarred from from
the Schools and
Libraries Jonathan
Program," nor is Slaughter,
his consulting UB1
corporation. owner and
FederalI
Communications chief
Commission and
FBI officials will executive
not confirm if
there are active officer of
fraud investiga-
tions going on. eRate
Meanwhile,
Slaughter and Consulting
several of his for-
mer employees Services
disagree on what (ERC) LLC.
happened to the (ERC LLC.
missing money.
Slaughter's
attorney, Michael Guy Holton,
recently told the Montgomery
Advertiser the checks were purpose-
fully deposited into an ERC account
by a "disgruntled employee" who
wanted to get back at Slaughter for
letting her go. Then, she tipped off
the heads of groups whose funds
were missing, Holton said.
There are active court filings
regarding Slaughter and a former
employee, Shannon Ferrari and her
lawyers.
Please see ERC/Pap 7A

WOW

I

I

2A sUNDAY, Amut 6, 2008

Citrus BRIEFS

Merchants
to host meeting
Various merchants and busi-
ness owners in downtown
Crystal River wishing to organ-
ize a new Crystal River
Downtown Business &
Merchants Association will host
an organizational meeting qt
5:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, at
the Seminole Club in Crystal
River.
The agenda includes forming
a board of directors, discussing
the direction and focus of the
organization, discussing mem-
bership dues, planning meeting
dates and location, planning a
merchants "map" of the areas
shops and businesses, and
brainstorming and sharing
visions for downtown Crystal
River.
Call Stephanie Price at 795-
1600 with questions.
Let us know
about going green
Chronicle wants to know
Are you taking your business
"green"? The Chronicle wants to
hear from businesses that are
adapting environmentally friend-
ly practices to their businesses.
E-mail reporter Chris Van
Ormer if you have techniques
that save energy, conserve
resources and lessen impact on
the environment. The informa-
tion will appear in a story about
"green" business practices in
Citrus.
Call Chris at 563-5660, ext.
1363 or e-mail cvanormer@
chronicleonline.com.
Republican group to
elect new officers
The Citrus County Republican
Executive Committee will meet
7 p.m. Monday in the American
Legion Post 155, 6585 W. Gulf-
to-Lake Highway, Crystal River.
Coffee and ice tea will be
available before the meeting.
A special election to fill the
offices of chairman, vice chair-
man and state committeeman
will take place. Any office of
the REC that becomes vacant
as a result of these elections
will also be filled at this meet-
ing. Citrus County Supervisor
of Elections Susan Gill will
assist in conducting the elec-
tion.
Citrus, Marion job
fairs coming
There are a number of job
fairs coming up in the region,
sponsored by CLM Workforce.
CLM Workforce Connection
is the local,
business-
ON led organi-
THE WEB zation that
plans and
P Upcoming coordinates
CLM
Workforce quality
events: employ-
ment and
www.clwork training
force.com/ services for
events.asp businesses
and individ-
ual career seekers in Citrus,
Levy and Marion counties of
Florida.
For more information or to
register for any Workforce
event, visit www.clmwork-
force.com. Events are posted
in the Calendar of Events
Section. For more information
on events, call (800) 434-
5627.
CLM Workforce encourages
all job fair participants to be
pre-registered in the Employ
Florida Marketplace. Those
who are not already registered
with Workforce can do so at:
www.employflorida.com.
Job fairs:
* Ocala/Marion Job Fair
CFCC Klein Center, Ocala
campus
Tuesday
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
* B.E.S.T. CTAE
Healthcare Services
(Community Technical Adult
Education Center on State
Road 200)
Job Fair Ocala/Marion
Thursday
10 a.m. - 1p.m.
* Ocala/Marion Job Fair
CFCC Klein Center
Tuesday, May 13
10 a.m.-1p.m.

Republican club
to host debate
The Nature Coast
Republican Club will host a
debate Saturday, April 12,
between Commissioner Vicki
Phillips and commission candi-
date Thomas Franklin. Both
are seeking the Office County
Commission District 3.
All registered Republican are

eligible for membership and
newcomers will find this a way
of meeting like-minded conser-
vatives.
Breakfast is $5.50 and will
be served at 8:30 a.m. with the
debate to follow.
The club meets at American
Legion Post 155, 6585 State
Road 44, Crystal River.
- From staff reports

* QUESTION: If gasoline hits $4 per gallon, will it alter your lifestyle?

SA man's dying wish was to'return
home and hear the laughter of his
family and friends one last time.
Inverness resident and cancer
patient Calvin "Red" Rollins wanted
to return home to Western New York
to see his children and grandchildren.
. . � The Hospice of Citrus County Wishes
o Program made the trip possible.
S^ When Red's health began to decline
* in March, the Rollins family became
concerned that he could not tolerate
the trip to New York Hospice Nurse
Lisa Kay Nelson suggested a motor
home for his safety and comfort. The
b only limiting factor was the expense
p involved in renting and fueling the
vehicle.
* The Wishes program of Hospice of
* - Citrus County utilized community
donations to grant the wish and send
- Red home.
- -. Red's wife Kathy staid, "Red was
born with the natural ability at fixing
- - things and always prided himself on
- -� his independence and ability to do
things for himself. While he couldn't
- make this trip happen himself, we
- prayed that things would work out for
the best for Red."
S. Red had been "making things hap-

pen" his whole life. He fixed every-
thing from cars, to major appliances,
and everything in-between. He settled
in Hernando in 1976 and married
...Kathy in 198-1 spending many happy
years raising a family together in West

Central Florida.
Red and Kathy also built a home in
Gerry, a small town close to family
located in Western New York The
home Was ,a culmination of their
dreams. The time spent together in

the log cabin home and Amish barn
produced many fond memories.
Red became a hospice patient in
December of 2007. In late March, Lisa
Kay Nelson shared the great news
with the Rollins family: the RV was
rented.
Red's wife Kathy, brother in-law
Richard, family friend nurse Shirley
Jimison, son Nathan and daughter
Paula would travel with Red to help
him make the trip. The Hospice of
Citrus County Wishes program sup-
plied a 26-foot recreational vehicle as
well as all the fuel needed to get to
Western New York
Red arrived in the Western New
York town of Gerry to the delight of his
family members, children and grand-
children. Red was indeed able to see
the smiles and hear the laughter one
last time.
Although there is no cure for
patients served by Hospice of Citrus
County, the Wishes program provides
a way for the patients and families to
experience that special wish. The pro-
gram helps improve the quality of
patient lives in a way no medicine can.
Contributions to the Wishes pro-
gram maybe sent to: Hospice of Citrus
County Wishes Program, PO Box
641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34464.

. -qw -0 �
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-40- 40 -

-.o

-Y - 'Yamatee' hits block to save springs

- - -
4som

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U - - U
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CHRIS VAN ORMER
cvanormer
@chronicleonline.com
Chronicle

Everything else. Weird
M stuff. Slightly unusual. That's
* 4M the eBay category for a spec-
tacular spud that may help
save Three Sisters Springs.
"" Or you can just log on and
search "manatee potato,"
- and up it will pop. It's one of
a kind.
Two Crystal River men
who love snorkeling and

sweet potatoes came up with
the idea of taking a sweet
potato that resembles a man-
atee and auctioning it on
eBay to raise awareness

about and funds for the
springs.
The idea took root when
Andy Hill bought a batch of
sweet potatoes from Sav-A-
Lot and was putting them
away in his kitchen.
"I love big sweet potatoes,"
he said. "And I noticed one
on the counter looked like a
manatee. It even has a scar
on its back."
A Crystal River resident
since November 2006, Hill
also loves Three Sisters
Springs. "I love to snorkel,"

he said. "The springs are a
national treasure. I'd hate to
see the land developed."
Hill showed his sirenian-
shaped tuber to his friend,
Justin Land, a fellow snor-

keling enthusiast, and
together they baked the idea
to put the big spud on eBay.
Land has only recently
experienced swimming with
manatees, and he says he
wants to protect the water-
ways to help the mammals.
The sweet potato is in
Land's refrigerator, and will
be on eBay until nearly 11
p.m. April 14. Half the money
raised will be donated to the
effort for the public to buy
Three Sisters Springs,
according to Hill and Land.

- S

- -
-~ -

AJxa Copyrighted Materialn

P. PCopyrighted Material

S-- Syndicated Content

Available from Commercial News Providers

Remembering Will McLean

UAVE SIGu K/LE nronicle
Larry Mangum performed Saturday on the Magnolia Stage during the 19th annual Will McLean Music Festival. Performances start today at 10 a.m.,
with live music throughout the day on three stages. The festival concludes with the "Hour of Power," starting at 5 p.m. During that time, songs and
stories about Will McLean and his legacy will be shared. McLean's Florida ballads will be performed by a variety of folk aficionados. The festival has
moved to the Withlacoochee Campground in Dunnellon, 7 miles east of U.S. 19 and 5 miles west of Dunnellon on State Road 40.

I

4A SUNDAY, Amr'ui. 6, 2008

For the .o -:- .: --

Burglaries
SA burglary, reported on Friday,
March 28, occurred" at approxi-
mately 3 a.m. March 28 to a con-
veyance in the 6900 block of E.
Shadywoods Court, Floral City.
* A burglary and vandalism,
reported on Friday, March 28,
occurred at approximately 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 27, to a con-
veyance in the 9400 block of
Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa.
*A burglary, reported on Friday,
March 28, occurred at approxi-
mately 3 p.m. Thursday, March 27,
to a residence in the 3500 block of
E. McDonald Lane, Lecanto.

ATTACK
Continued from Page 1A

sharks in the water," Hamel
laughed. "They came back
the next day and still found
someone still alive."
The boat sank April 7 and
today marks the 63rd
anniversary of the attack.
Hamel was one of the orig-
inal crewmembers of the
LST-447 and was on all
seven campaigns the ship
went on. Only he and one
other person were on the
boat from day one until it
sank. He was also involved
in attacks at Bougainville,
the Solomon Islands and
Guam in the southwestern
Pacific Ocean.
He was in the service
from June 1942 . to
September 1945 and fought
during World War II. He
joined the Navy a few years
after high school.
"Me and a buddy were
gonna both join together, but
he decided to join the
Army," Hamel said.
Hamel traveled to Green
Island, Australia, Guam,
Saipan and other landings

* A burglary that included the
theft of eight firearms, reported on
Friday, March 28, occurred at
approximately midnight on
Thursday, March 6, to a con-
veyance in the 1500 block of N.
Marion Way, Crystal River.
* On Saturday, March 29, at
approximately midnight, a known
subject was arrested for burglary to
a conveyance, resisting arrest and
striking an on-duty K-9, on S.
Jefferson Street, Beverly Hills.
* On Saturday, March 29, at
approximately 3:30 a.m., a known
subject was arrested for residential
burglary, grand theft and posses-

sion of burglary tools in the 7800
block of E. Northlake Drive, Floral
City.
* A burglary to a structure and
petit theft occurred between
Friday, March 28 and Saturday,
March 29 in the 600 block of N.
Croft Avenue, Inverness.
* A burglary, reported on
Saturday, March 29, occurred at
approximately 3 p.m. Friday,
March 28, to a structure in the
10600 block of E. Turtle Lane,
Floral City.
* A burglary, reported on
Saturday, March 29, occurred
sometime after Sunday, Jan. 14,

2007, to a residence in the 2200
block of S. Carnegie Drive, Floral
City.
* A burglary attempt occurred
sometime between 9 a.m. and
1:27 p.m. Sunday, March 30, to a
residence in the 4900 block of E.
Stokes Ferry Road, Lecanto.
* A burglary to a conveyance
occurred at approximately 4:30
p.m. Sunday, March 30, in the
4600 block of N. Custer Terrace,
Lecanto.
* An attempted burglary was
reported on Saturday, March 29, to
a structure in the 5300 block of E.
Jasmine Lane, Inverness.

DAVE SIGLER/IUronicle
This photo of LST 447 from the National Archives was sent to Richard Hamel years after the
attack.

in the Asiatic-Pacific the-
ater. During his time on the
ship, he said they went
through five captains.
"It wasn't because of me,"

he said with a smile.
After the LST-447 sank, he
was placed on survivor
leave.
"And the highlight of it is

when I was on survivor
leave, I met my wife."
He met her at a dance
club in Rhode Island and
they have been married for

* A burglary, reported on
Monday, March 31, occurred at
approximately 4 p.m. Friday,
March 28, to a residence in the
1400 block of S.E. Third Avenue,
Homosassa.
* A burglary occurred on
Monday, March 31, between
approximately 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to
a conveyance in the 11800 block
of N. Blitzen Point, Inverness.
* A burglary, reported on
Tuesday, April 1, occurred at
approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday,
March 31, to a residence in the
2500 block of E. Silver Court,
Inverness.

almost 62 years. After his
leave, he was stationed in
Rhode Island.
"They stationed me in the
States, driving a bus for
recruits," Hamel said. "They
put me on a bus and told me
to go around the base and
nobody showed me where to
go. And the passengers had
to show me
where to go." For th
That was his
last assign- several
ment after he
was honorably the sur
discharged.
When he left the L
the Navy, he
had the rank of have
Oil Machinist, reunion
2nd Class.
Soon after, he tWO
and his wife
moved to
Florida.
"We were in Rhode Island
and came to Florida for a
vacation after we got mar-
ried. We were down here on
vacation and we called up
north to Rhode Island and
we said, 'Pack up all our
stuff and ship it down,' "
Hamel said.
He worked many odd jobs
in Miami for a while until he

Thefts
* A retail theft, reported on
Friday, March 28, occurred at
approximately 1:37 a.m. March 28
in the 300 block of N.E. Highway
19, Homosassa.
* A petit theft and vandalism,
reported on Friday, March 28,
occurred at approximately 12:30
a.m. March 28 in the 300 block of
W. Highland Boulevard,
Inverness.
* A retail theft, reported on
Friday, March 28, occurred at
approximately 9:40 a.m. March 28
in the 300 block of E. Highland
Boulevard, Inverness.

got a job working at Eastern
Airlines. He worked there
for 31 1/2 years as an aircraft
mechanic. He retired in
1980, and that same year, he
moved to Citrus Springs. He
and his wife have two chil-
dren, four grandchildren
and six great-grandchildren.
He runs the Web site for St.
Elizabeth Ann

ie past

I years,

vivors of

ST-447

had a

n every

years.

Sea ton
Catholic
Church in
Citrus Springs
and is the
church's pho-
tographer.
For the past
several years,
the survivors
of the LST-447
have had a
reunion every
two years.

"Last time, only seven
guys showed up. It's getting
smaller and smaller," Hamel
said.
He said they are having
one this year, but he and his
wife decided not to because
it's getting harder for them
to move around.
For Hamel, the anniver-
sary will bring no frills. For
him, it's business as usual.

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LUH ONICLE
Florida's Best Community Newspaper Serving Florida's Best Community

approval that the project
was successful. He told the
group, consisting of a half-
dozen residents, a county
official and a school board
official, that he wanted to
show them an example of
one of the 123 wetlands that
had been created and
deemed successful by the
water district.
The backdrop is this:
Primerica Corp. has an
option on the property off
U.S. 19 south of the Crystal
River Airport at Venable
Street, and it has proposed
a plan to create a shopping
area With two big anchor
stores (Wal-Mart reportedly
being one) and lesser retail
space, in addition to offices
and outparcels for business-
es like banks and restau-
rants: Its plan would
destroy a little less than 10
acres of wetland, which is a
lot less than what would
have been lost in a previous
proposal by owner
RealtiCorp.
The proposed project is
under evaluation by the
county, and planners
recently noted some con-
cerns that the company is
addressing.
It looks like
a wetland...
Czerwinski, retained by
Primerica, invited the
Chronicle to accompany
him and the group. The wet-
land toured was a thickly
vegetated area that had
once been upland,.
Czerwinski said. Both the
state and water district had '
sanctioned turning it into a
wetland, Czerwinski said.
Czerwinski said when he
hears people say only God
can create wetlands, he has

to chuckle under his breath
because he's been doing it
for 20 years. He said for a
wetland to be created, the
hydrology has to be right,
and it was right on the site
the group toured.
The 0.6 acres area was
cleared and scraped to give
the right elevations, with
some higher and lower
aieas designed into it. The
lower areas are wet 99 per-
cent of the time, and the
other areas from 66 to 33
percent of the time. The
water table is generally 8 to
12 inches below the surface
in this case.
The wetland is designed
as a habitat and after it is
scraped and contoured it is
replanted with plants that
define a wetland and the
transition area around a
wetland.
Sometimes a kind of wet-
land mulch from the soil in
a destroyed wetland is used
to form a base the soil in the
new wetland, but that was
not available in this case
and Czerwinski said certain
herbaceous plants were
used to quickly build up a
base of humus in the sandy
soil.
Monitoring essential
It is critical, he said, to
closely monitor the new
wetland for the initial
months so exotic and nui-
sance plants not indigenous
to wetlands don't invade
and get a foothold. That can
ruin a project, he said, but
once the wetland species
get a good hold and the
trees begin .to form a
canopy, the monitoring for
removal of the nuisance
plants can scaled back,
though it must be continued
until the water district is
satisfied the habitat is per-
manently functioning as it
should.
The water district rules
for a successful project

require an 85 to 95 percent
survival rate of the wetland
species planted, such as
cypress, red maple, and
black gum trees, and ifthat
doesn't happen, replanting
is required.
That happened at the
treatment plant site,
Czerwinski said, because
there wasn't enough organic
mulch in the sandy soil.
Some 100 trees were
replanted in 1996 and slow-
release fertilizer was used
to nurture them until there
was enough organic matter
present as part of the soil to
sustain the trees. That was
one reason the wetland had
to be monitored and tended
for nine years until it was
deemed successful.
Signs of success
Today that soil is damp
and black and tends to ball
when rolled in the fingers,
as Czerwinski demonstrat-
ed. As he crossed the line
into the wetland area, he
looked down at the dark,
moist ground and then
asked the group rhetorical-
ly, "Can you tell?"
The wetland is thick and
the visitors had to make
their way slowly through
the dense vegetation. The
current drought was obvi-
ously .having an effect, but
Czerwinski showed them
where the lichen line, or
water line, was on the vege-
tation indicating the water
in wetter times. Some of the
area they walked, he said,
would be covered with
water in the summer.
He said the goal is not
just create a wetland, but a
functional one, and that
means a successful wildlife
habitat. He pointed out a
healthy red maple that had
been planted and other
wetland plants with that
had not been planted but
had come of their own.
That's called recruitment,

he said. "That tells you your
wetland is doing well," he
said.
"Keep in mind," he said,
closed in by the dense vege-
tation, "This was all bare."
Czerwinski pointed out
wetland-obligatory plants
such as lizard's tongue and
pumpkin ash, which had
multiple stems at the base,
a sign of a successful wet-
land, he said. There was
sage grass, coastal saw-
grass, royal fern, horse tail
and iris. A stand of cypress
was very healthy, already
about 30 to 35 feet, with one
having grown about 40 feet
with a 6- to 8-inch girth and
knees protruding up out of
the soil.
He told the group the for-
mula for creating wetlands
has finally been standard-
ized by the state and similar
techniques are used around,
the world, and they work, as
long as the source of water is
there, the design is right, the
right plants are used and fol-
low up monitoring is done
correctly.
After walking through the
dense, mosquito-infested
area for the first time in
seven years, Czerwinski said
when asked to grade the
project today: "I would say
an A-....For the most part, it is
doing what it's supposed to
do."
Impressed, but
unmoved
Afterwards, Ralph DuBall
from the Kings Bay
Association said he didn't
want to see it take nine years
before a created wetlands
that had an impact on Kings

Bay was working as a wet-
land. Czerwinski said it might
take that long to be approved
by the water district, but that
it would begin functioning
from the beginning, provid-
ing habitat and taking up
nutrients from runoff.
Phil and Gail Janerone,
also from the Kings Bay
Association, said the project
did not change their minds
that no wetlands should be
destroyed.
Longtime local environ-
mentalist Helen Spivey said
she had not been on the
RealtiCorp site yet, but she
has a problem with taking out
wetlands when it was just for
the good of the developer.
"When you buy a swamp,
that's what you buy," she said.
Spivey said she had mixed
emotions. about the project
results at the treatment plant
because it was basically
adding a swamp on what was a
swamp.
After the nearby Home
Depot construction in which
the aquifer was breached, cre-
ating a manmade spring
behind the building, she said
she is concerned about the
RealtiCorp property and
what could similarly happen
there.
She said she is also con-
cerned about untreated
stormwater on the
RealtiCorp site Primerica
wants to develop and hopes

SUNDAY, APRIl. 6, 2008 5A

the designers find ways to
leave what needs to be left
and treat the storm water
before it goes into wetlands.
She would like to see the
county require a strictly min-
imized impervious-surface
ratio with pervious surfaces
for overflow parking, not
pavement. "There's lots of
different ways to do it," she
said.
Spivey, who has long railed
at development that impacts
habitat and water resources,
said the county and state
have to realize at some point
that' the environment can't
accommodate what everyone
wants to do, from shopping
centers to new nuclear power
plants.
Chris Lloyd, who was also
in the group Friday, said
Czerwinski's project
impressed him, but he still
felt manufactured wetlands
fall short of the real thing.
"Environmental advocates,
supported by many eminent
biologists, are immediately
aware that only God created
those wetlands, their natu-
ral filtration, the intercon-
nection to the aquifer and
their criticality to the sup-
port of entire ecosystems,"
he said. "Man is infinitely
capable of constructing a
garden pond, but a wetland
is the child of evolution, not
the application of engi-
neering."

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BUS GUS

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Cnrrus COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE

6A SUNDAY, APR'. 6, 2008

Florence
Battaglia, 81
HOMOSASSA
Florence Battaglia, 81,
Homosassa, died Monday,
March 31, 2008, at her home
under the loving care of her
family and Hernando-Pasco
Hospice.
Born July 7, 1926, to
Antonio and Camille
(Squardi) Battaglia in Mount
Vernon, N.Y, she moved
here four years ago from
Kingston, N.Y.
She was Catholic.
She vias preceded in death
by her sisters, Fanny Mielo
and Jenny Castaldo, and
brothers, Paul Caramuto and
Frank Battaglia.
Survivors include: her
children, Gary Cafasso,
Homosassa, and David
Cafasso, Kingston, N.Y; sib-
lings, Rose Tedesco, Boynton
Beach, Mary Marco, Mount
Vernon, N.Y, and Tony
Battaglia, Mount Pleasant,
Pa.; and grandchildren,
Kristen Cafasso, Cara
Cafasso and Alura Cafasso.
Private cremation is to
take place under the direc-
tion of Brown Funeral Home
& Crematory in Lecanto.
Brown Funeral Home and
Crematory, Lecanto.

Fanny Green, 80
LECANTO
Fanny Morgia Green, 80, of
Lecanto, died Thursday,
April 3, 2008, at the
Hernando-Pasco Hospice in
Lecanto. 3
Born Sept
3, 1927, in
Croton Falls,
N.Y., to '
Lawrence n
and Celia
Morgia, she
moved to pa
Lecanto 3 1/2 Fanny
years ago Green
from Naples. She was a
retired registered nurse.
She was a member of the
Red Hatters of Citrus County
and she loved to play tennis.
She was a member of Our
Lady of Grace Catholic
Church,
. In addition to her parents,
she was preceded in death
by two sisters, Nancy Lopez
and Mary Lou Morgia.
Survivors include: her
husband, Edward W. Green
or Lecanto; two children,
Carol Ann Green of Palmer,
Alaska, and Barton E. Green
of Milton, Vt.; one sister,
Barbara Ann "Bobbie"
Sanchez, Leesburg; one
brother, James Morgia of
Croton Falls, N.Y; two
grandchildren, Kyle E.
Green, Middletown, Conn.,
and Hayley L. Green, Milton,
Vt.
Brown Funeral Home and
Crematory, Lecanto.

.Rosemary
Kuzbyt, 78
HOMOSASSA
Rosemary B. Kuzbyt, 78,
Homosassa, died Wednesday,
April 2, 2008, at Citrus
Memorial Health System,
Inverness.
Born Feb. 13, 1930, in
Brooklyn N.Y, she was the
daughter of Owen and
Kathleen (Hyams) Shevlin.
She came here in 1990 from
Centerville, Ohio. She was
a homemaker, then later a
medical transcriptionist
for Dayton Internal
Medicine.
She was a member of
Friends of the Library,
Homosassa; Knit-N-Stitch,
Sugarmill Woods; and The
Nutritution Group,
Sugarmill Woods. She loved
crafts and cross-stitching.
She also enjoyed playing
cards.

Se was a member of St.
Thomas the Apostle Catholic
Church.
She was preceded in death
by two sisters, Colleen
Gillian and Janie Kruger.
Survivors include: her
husband, Bill Kuzbyt,
Homosassa; her son, Bill
Kuzbyt Jr., Homosassa;
daughter and son-in-law,
Karen and Tommy Gartland,
Overland Park, Kan., daugh-
ter, Barbara Lawson,
Homosassa; two brothers,
Owen Shevlin, Wilmot, Ohio,
and Robert Shevlin,
Homosassa; two sisters,
Betty Ann Lane, Naples, and
Irene Lambert, Levittown,
N.Y; and six grandchildren.

Linette
Martin, 67
PINE RIDGE
Linette Bernice Martin, 67,
Pine Ridge, Beverly Hills,
died Friday, April 4, 2008, at
Citrus Memorial Health
System, Inverness.
Born Sept 23,1940, in Rock
Island, Ill., she moved to this
area in 1995 from Apollo
Beach.
She was a
retired office
manager for
a retirement -
community.
Her enjoy-
ments in life
were boat-
ing, reading, netted
cooking and
spending time with her fami-
ly, including her dog,
Buttons, and her cat, Missy
She was Lutheran.
She was preceded in
death by two sons, Ricky. W
Martin, who died Feb. 11,
1999, and Franklin R.
Martin, who died in 1966,
her father, Ralph Zeitler,
and sister, Patricia.
Survivors include: her
husband of 43 .years,
Franklin M. Martin; her son,
Frank D. Martin, Wesley
Chapel; her daughter,
Annette Krider and her hus-
band Dana, New Windsor,
Ill.; her mother, Bernice
Zeitler, Coal Valley, Ill.; her
brother, Randall Zeitler,
Milan, Ill.; her sister, Marsha
Morgan, Pine Ridge; three
grandchildren: Michelle,
Christopher and Amanda;
and four great-grandchil-
dren.
Services and burial will be
held in Rock Island, Ill., from
the Hodgson Funeral Home.
Chas. E. Davis Funeral
Home with Crematory,
Inverness.

Janice
Myers, 74
INVERNESS
Janice I. Myers, 74,
Inverness, formerly of North
Olmsted, Ohio, died
Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, at her
daughter's home near West
Union, WVa.
Mrs. Myers was born Nov.
30, 1933, in Cleveland, Ohio,
the daughter of Walter and
Chloe (Husk) Hoffman.

Funeral Home
With Crematory

* Burial
* Shipping
* Cremation

Member of
m international Order of the
G wLEN

For Information
and costs, call
726-8323

She was a former employ-
ee of North Olmsted School
District as a bus driver and
transportation coordinator
In addition to her parents,
she was preceded in death
by her husband, William D.
Myers, and two brothers.
Mrs. Myers is survived by
four children, Vicki Inkel
and husband Steve of
Bemidji, Minn., William R.
Myers of Crystal River, Patti
Almeida and husband Carlos
of Port Orange and Jill Myers
of West Union, WVa.; seven
grandchildren; and two
great-grandchildren.
McCullough-Rogers &
Raiguel Funeral Home,
Pennsboro, WVa.

Richard
Palmateer, 63
FLORAL CITY
Richard H. Palmateer, (3,
Floral City, died Saturday,
April 5, 2008, at the
Hernando-Pasco Hospice
Care Center in Brooksville.
Born Dec. 17, 1944, in
Tampa, he was the son of the
late Robert and Mabel
(Tinsley) Palmateer. He
moved to this area in 1996
from Tampa. He was a
retired laborer in the con-
struction industry and
served in the Merchant
Marines.
He was a member of the
IRRU Family Social Club in
Floral City
He was Methodist
Survivors include: two sis-
ters, B. Elizabeth "Beth"
Palmateer, Tampa, and
Helen J. Miller, Tampa.
Chas. E. Davis Funeral
Home with Crematory,
Inverness.
William
Woodson, 78
DUN NELLON
William Donald Woodson,
78, Dunnellon, died
Saturday, April 5, 2008, in
Ocala.
Born Oct. 4, 1929, in
Macon, Ga., he resided in the
Dunnellon area since 1991,
having moved from West
Palm Beach.
He was a freight manager
for the CSX Railroad, and
retired in 1995.
He was an active volunteer
with Habitat for Humanity.
Survivors include: his
wife, Delores Sawyer
Woodson, Dunnellon; sons,
William H. Woodson, West
Palm Beach, and Floyd R.
Woodson, Derby, Conn.;
daughter, Deborah Black,
New Orleans, La.; brother,
Tarlton Woodson, Monterey,
Va.; eight grandchildren; and
six great-grandchildren.
Roberts Funeral Home,
Dunnellon.
Click on www.chronicleon-
line.com to view archived
local obituaries.

FunerdlNOmTIES

Fanny Morgia Green. Mass
of the Resurrection for
Fanny Morgia Green, 80, of

Lecanto, will be held at 10
a.m. Tuesday, April 8, at Our
Lady of Grace Catholic
Church in Beverly Hills, with
Father Jorge Bonilla as cele-
brant. Private cremation will
take place under the direc-
tion of Brown Funeral Home
and Crematory in Lecanto.
In lieu of flowers, donations
can be made to the
Hernando-Pasco Hospice.
Funeral Mass will be held at
St. Joseph Catholic Church
at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 19,
2008, in Croton Falls, N.Y.
Brown Funeral Home and
Crematory, Lecanto, is in
charge of arrangements.
Rosemary B. Kuzbyt.
Visitation will be between
the hours of 1 and 3 p.m.,
then from 5 until 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 6, 2008, at
Wilder Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass is scheduled at
10 a.m. Monday, April 7,2008,
at St. Thomas Catholic
Church, with burial to follow
at Florida National
Cemetery, Bushnell.
Janice I. Myers. A memori-
al gathering for friends and
family will be held at 10:30
a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008,
at the Inverness Woman's
Club, 1715 Forest Drive,
Inverness. A prior service
was held in January in
Greenwood, WVa. In lieu of
flowers, the family prefers
donations to Hospice of
Citrus County.

Death
ELSEWHERE

Kaku Yamanaka
JAPAN'S OLDEST
PERSON
TOKYO - Japan's oldest
person has died in central
Japan, officials said
Saturday. She was 113.
Kaku Yamanaka died at a
hospital where she was taken
early Saturday after falling ill
at a nursing home in Yatomi
City in Aichi prefecture, an
official at her nursing home
said on condition of anonymi-
ty, citing policy
Born on Dec. 11, 1894,
Yamanaka became Japan's
oldest person when Tsuneyo
Toyonaga, 113, died in
February. It was not immedi-
ately clear who had become
Japan's new oldest person,
and Health Ministry officials
were not available for com-
ment Saturday.
Yamanaka was known for
her love of singing and took
part in local karaoke contests,
the nursing home official said.
Japan has one of the
world's longest average life
spans - a factor often attrib-
uted to a healthy diet rich in
fish and rice. In 2006
Japanese women set a new
record for life expectancy at
85.81 years, while men live
an average of about 79 years.
The number of Japanese
living beyond 100 has almost
quadrupled over the past 10
years. There were 32,295
centenarians in 2007, accord-
ing to the Health Ministry.

Slaughter also told the three
other clients missing funds
that a former employee acci-
dentally deposited the checks
into the corporation's account
The clients said they have
been waiting on thousands
from Slaughter, one since 2006
and one as recent as two weeks
ago. He sent one client checks
that bounced due to insuffi-
cient funds.
During phone interviews
last week Slaughter said he
was unaware of any other
clients in similar situations as
Citrus County School District
officials, until a reporter asked
him about other clients. He
said an internal audit was
going on, the consulting firm is
responsible for hundreds of
school districts, and there
"may or may not" be other
clients who never received
rebate checks. He also the
funds were available to pay
back those missing checks.
Last week, two former ERC
employees spoke about the
corporation's financial turmoil
and said Slaughter knew about
the unusually large deposits.
Slaughter told the employees
he received the checks
because h6 cashed in his 401K,
sold stock and received pay-
ment from communications
corporation IBM, they said.
Toni Ferguson, former sec-
retary and bookkeeper, said
she handed Slaughter the
deposit stamp for what she
later determined was a check
for the Citrus County School
District; Slaughter came back
to the office with the deposit
slip in his hand, she said.
Before she was fired, Ferguson
discovered and questioned

Slaughter about "a number of
large deposits that were very
questionable" in the corpora-
tion's bank account, that
matched clients' funding
request numbers, including
Citrus County's, and amounts
of checks they never received
that they were calling about,
she said.
Barry Wilson, former ERC
account executive, said nearly
all the corporation's employ-
ees have quit or been let go in
the last month and a half in
order to disassociate with
Slaughter and the company to
save their reputations.
Taxpayers pay fees on their
telecommunications bills,
such as Internet and phone
bills, that contribute to the fed-
eral fund. Through the federal
program, the consultants
applied yearly on behalf of the
school district for compensa-
tion for a percentage of the dis-
trict's telecommunications
bills. USAC officials call the
rebates "E-rate discounts."
ERC timeline
* In 2004, Citrus County School
District hired ERC to assist with the
application process to obtain feder-
al reimbursements for telecommu-
nications services.
* June 19, 2006, an ERC bank
account was more than $20,000 in
debt when a deposit was made for
more than $263,000, according to
copies of a check register for an
ERC Regions Bank account.
During the same time, the Citrus
County School District never
received three expected rebate
checks, which totaled to the exact
amount deposited into the ERC
account.
* In the days following the
deposit, many payments and with-
drawals were made from the ERC
account. Slaughter was paid
$10,000. The ERC staff was paid.

Credit card payments were made.
* In July 2006, Toni Ferguson
was hired.
* In September 2006, Slaughter
fired the current ERC bookkeeper
and gave the duties to Ferguson,
she said. Soon after, Ferguson dis-
covered a large deposit, for more
than $263,000, made into the
company's account from June
2006. She thought the amount
was too large to be a payment
from a client. She asked Slaughter
about it and he told her he cashed
in his 401K and put it into the bank
account, she said.
* In December 2006, North
Carolina's Beaufort County School
District officials never received a
$10,000 reimbursement check
from ERC.
* In January 2007, employees
of the Minnesota-based, private,
not-for-profit agency, Northwood
Children's Services, never
received a reimbursement check
for more than $24,000. Slaughter
said a former employee had acci-
dentally deposited the check into a
corporate account. Slaughter sent
four checks to Northwood; three
bounced and one was cashed for
$10,000.
* In February 2007, ERC was
in financial turmoil, Ferguson said
in a recent interview. Another
"questionable deposit" was made
during this time, she said.
Slaughter asked her for the deposit
stamp; she gave it to him; he
returned with a deposit slip in his
hand for more than $294,000; and
he called all the ERC employees
into the office to tell them he sold
stock and put all the profits in the
corporation's bank account to pay
the ERC employees, she said.
* April 9, 2007, an ERC
account was more than $63,000 in
debt when a deposit was made for
more than $103,000. It was
deposited into the account 10

months after ERC received the
payment in the exact amount of a
reimbursement check never
received by the Citrus County
School District 10 months prior.
* In May 2007, Ferguson went
on maternity leave. Slaughter
asked her to "reconcile the
Region's Bank account from as far
back as possible," she said.
* In July 2007, while cleaning
up the ERC bank account,
Ferguson realized a funding
request number, "FRN," for the
Citrus County School District
matched the large June 2006
deposit she questioned Slaughter
about in September 2006. The
deposit and FRN matched down to
the penny, Ferguson said. She
decided to look at other funding
checks Citrus County was owed
and realized the $294,000 deposit
made earlier in the year matched
another Citrus County School
District FRN. She questioned
Slaughter and he told her it was a
coincidence, she said.
N In Aug. 2007, Slaughter fired
Ferguson and told her he could no
longer afford to pay her, she said.
* Jan. 3, Ferrari filed harass-
ment charges against Slaughter in
Montgomery Municipal Court.
* Soon after, Slaughter sued
Ferarri in Montgomery Circuit
Court for making defamatory state-
ments about ERC. A judge ordered
her to stop making statements to
ERC current and former cus-
tomers until the municipal case
was decided. It starts in two
weeks.
* In February, Citrus County
school officials received a phone
call from a lawyer, who told them
the district might be missing funds.
School officials immediately began
an internal investigation.
* After the lawyer called,
Slaughter called and told school
officials a company audit revealed

the Citrus County School District's
reimbursement checks had mistak-
enly been deposited into an ERC
account, he said.
* March 14, Alabama
Department of Agriculture and
Industries officials terminated their
contract with ERC after hearing.
Slaughter was "a little too hot to
handle" and "facing "legal issues,"
according to Jeff Webb, legal advi-
sor and legislative affairs director to
the Alabama commissioner of agri-
culture.
* In March, attorneys K.
Anderson Nelms and Michael R.
White, who represent Ferrari and
Ferguson, formed Legal E-
Consulting and hired Ferrari and
Ferguson.
* March 25, the Chronicle
received information about a tip
that the Citrus County School
District never received federal
funds from ERC.
* On March 26, Superintendent
Sandra "Sam" Himmel announced
to the Chronicle reimbursement
checks intended for the Citrus
County School District, amounting
to more than $678,000, were
deposited into an ERC bank
account. The same day, Agent
Angela Tobon, FBI spokeswoman,

confirmed FBI offices in
Jacksonville and Mobile, Ala.
received complaints against ERC
that were similar to the Citrus
County allegations.
* In phone interviews March 26
and 27, Slaughter said he was
unaware of any other clients in
similar situations as the Citrus
County School District.
* March 28, Wilson said nearly
all of ERC's employees left the
corporation or had been let go in
the;last month and a half.
* April 1, Tennessee's Bedford
County School District officials
said they were waiting on funds
from ERC amounting to $23,000.
The rebate check is two weeks
late; ,
a* April 2, Slaughter filed court
documents stating Nelms and
White continue to slander ERC for
their own financial gain.
* April 3, the Montgomery
Advertiser reported; Slaughter's
attorney, Michael Guy Holton, said
the checks were purposefully
deposited into an ERC account by
a "disgruntled employee" who
wanted to get back at Slaughter
for letting her go. Then, she tipped
off the heads of groups whose
funds were missing, Holton said.

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option. QuickNet Connect usage is billed in full minute increments with a minimum charge of one minute. QNC speeds are considerably slower than EVDO/1X. ONC max spood is 14.4 Klips. Trcisision
Speeds: Speeds will very depending on such circumstances as geography, atmospheric conditions, distance from tower or amount of traffic on system. Additional Information: This oflfel may be i.iti due to nfma
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Services & other information available at any AIItael store or alltol.com. All product & service marks referenced are the names, trade names, trademarks & logos of their respective ownw , * ,"i rnages
are simulated. @2008 AlItal Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. QOUA0U

Lo uld Sometl n Together

Advertising Correction Notice

Due to supplier error, the Electrolux Dishwasher (item #291018)
advertised in this week's flyer for $999 is unavailable for sale.
Please see an Appliance Sales Associate for alternatives,
including Bosch Dishwasher (item #80281) which is available
for $998 and will also qualify for the kitchen-suite rebate offer.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this
error may cause to you, our valued customer.

049112Pack2Oz.
12 ack 12 Oz, Bottles Mtls. or Cans
Alcoholic beverages not available at all Walgreens locations.
To find a location near you call 1-800-9254733.
Rebates subject to the conditions of the manufacturer. V1
Right reserved to limit quantities on all items.aZ
*Rebate details in store
FL-REG Good 4/6 thru 4/12/08

rlm1w wr

10A
SUNDAY
APRIL 6, 2008
www.chronicleonline.com

/

K~4LW~

CITRUS COUNTY CHRONICLE

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APRIL 6', 2008

- CITRUS COUNTY CHRONICLE

N.Y., D.C. rich

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Available from Commercial News Providers

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Texas bluebonnets

begin their show

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Down Under

Special to the Chronicle
Karen and Bob Furman of Homosassa traveled to Australia in January 2007 for the birth of
their second grandson. While in Sydney, they visited the Taronga Zoo, which overlooks
Sydney harbor.

........- .............. -A : .. . .. ... ...............
! VACAT ONS

The Chronicle and The Accent Travel
Group are sponsoring a photo contest for
readers of the newspaper.
Readers are invited to send a photograph
from their Dream Vacation with a brief
description of the trip.
If it's selected as a winner, it will be pub-

lished in the Sunday Chronicle.
At the end of the year, a panel of judges
will select the best photo during the year
and that photographer will win a prize.
Please avoid photos with computerized
dates on the print.
Please make sure photographs are in
sharp focus.
Photos should be sent to the Chronicle at
1624 N. Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River,
FL 34429 or dropped off at any Chronicle
office or any Accent Travel office.

NEIL SAWYER/Special to the Chronicle
Montserrat, Spain, now Includes a new cathedral and
other public buildings, attracting thousands of tourists
every year.

Monument takes incredible effort

( T f you build it, they
I will come." Who said
that?
What was he think-
ing? How could he know?
Near Barcelona, the serrat-
ed mountain, Montserrat,
Spain's most
important pilgrim- M
age site for a thou- .N
sand years, is an
imposing moun-
tain of hardened
sedimentary rock.
Ten million years
ago the land on the
continent shifted,
then subsided, Neil
leaving the 4,000-
foot elevation saw- SPONT
tooth ridge that TOUR
propels skyward,
which we see today.
It was the year 880, when
several shepherd children,
playing in a nearby valley,
observed a bright light on a
nearby mountain and heard
angels singing. They ran to tell
their parents, who were, of
course, skeptical of this
vision. The children persisted

A
G!

in their delight of the sighting
and convinced their parents
to follow them. Every night for
a month, as the story goes, the
parents and children wit-
nessed the light, along, with
angels singing, and grew con-
vinced that it was a
sign from God.
The local vicar
was summoned,
along with other
religious leaders,
and they, too, wit-
nessed this mirac-
ulous apparition.
Finally, they
awyer climbed to the
location of the light
NEOUS on the mountain
GUIDE and discovered a
shallow cave with
an image of the Virgin Mary.
On that day, the site was
ordained and became a holy
sanctuary for religious pil-
grimages.
The story of this discovery
answers the first question I
asked when we arrived at
Montserrat, "Why would any-
one build such a magnificent

monument in this God-forsak-
en place?" In this case, the
people came before the struc-
ture was built
Anyone with a heart and
soul must ago-
nize at the Anyone
mere thought
of people in heart a
those days
.climbing this must ag
virtually im-
penetrable the mere
terrain -
"hostile" is a of people
kind and com-
forting word days c
compared to this vi
the rigors of
scaling sheer impen
faces of rock
and rounded terr
outcroppings
the size of 50-
story buildings. How did they
do it?
Defying the imagination,
and gravity, these early peo-
ple, mostly monks of the
Benedictine order, built a
monastery that - did I say -
defies the imagination?

It

il

r
rE

Audacious, but little did
they realize, I suspect, that
they were converting those
ephemeral sightings by chil-
dren into one of the most
spectacular
with a monasteries
in the world.
nd soul The sights
in approach-
onize at ing this mon-
ument are
thought every bit as
awe-inspiring
in those as the monu-
ments them-
imbing selves.
rtually Around every
hairpin turn,
table with a thou-
sand - foot
ain, drop on one
side and a
sheer rock
face on the other, one must
wonder, "How did they get
here?" Roads, buildings, and
surrounding hills appeared to
shrink in size around every
bend, and much was obliterat-
Please see GUIDE 14A

b ', lt.

6 o

Is,

CITRUS COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE

-a 4 2 A - A -. -K'n

* The Veterans
Appreciation Week Ad Hoc
Coordinating Committee will
conduct its monthly coordination
meeting for Citrus County's 16th
Annual Veterans Appreciation
Week at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday,
April 16, in the Conference
Room of the Citrus County
Chronicle Building, 1624 N.
Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal
River.
All veteran service organiza-
tions and individual veterans are
welcome and encouraged to
send representatives to partici-
pate in the planning process.
Any organization or person
desiring additional information
should contact Chairman Chris
Gregoriou by phone at 795-
7000.
* The Citrus County
Veterans Coalition meets at 6
p.m. the fourth Thursday month-
ly at the Citrus County Resource
Center in Lecanto next to the VA
Clinic except on conflicting holi-
days when an altered schedule
will be announced. All honorably
discharged veterans are wel-
come to become a member.
The CCVC would like to assist
the members by providing
opportunities to renew their
dues. The dues year ended
March 31 with the next dues
year having started April 1.
Membership renewal will be
available on Friday, April 11, also
on Monday, May 12, from 10
a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Resource
Center. Dues remain at $10 per
year, with a discount for three
years at $25.
For more information about
the Citrus County Veterans
Coalition, visit the Web site at
www.citruscountyveteranscoali-
tion.org or www.ccvcfl.org.
* Eugene Quinn VFW Post
4337 and Ladies Auxiliary, 906
E. State Road 44, Inverness;
telephone 344-3495; fax 344-
3514, announce daily activities
schedule for the week of April 6
to 12:
Today: Pool tourney at 2 p.m.
Karaoke by Wild Willy at 5 p.m.
Monday: Bar bingo 3 p.m.
Tuesday: Chicken wings three
for $1, nine flavors, 4:30 to 7
p.m. Karaoke by Mark 6 to 9
p.m.
Wednesday: Ladies Auxiliary
bar bingo 6 p.m.
Thursday: Bar bingo 3 p.m.
Friday: Fish fry (chicken avail-
able) $6.50 4:30 to 7 p.m.;
Karaoke by Mac & Non 6 to 9
p.m.
Saturday: Spring Roundup,
Ocala.
* The new American Legion
Post 237 in Beverly Hills on
County Road 491 in the Mall
with Sal's Restaurant, next to
Curves Fitness Center, opens at
9 a.m. Monday through Saturday
and at 1 p.m. Sunday. Every
Thursday, we will have Ladies
Night with $1 beer and well
drinks. Membership information
is available at the Post for any-
one interested. We look forward
to seeing you.
* American Legion Post
155 events for the week of April
6 to 12:
Today: Breakfast 8:30 to 11
a.m., $5. Free pool all day long.
Monday: Lunch 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. See lunch specials below.
Dart tournament 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Lunch 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. See lunch specials below.
Bingo 1 to 4 p.m. Executive
Board meeting 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Chicken wings
noon to 3 p.m. 10 for $3.50.
AYCE spaghetti 5 to 7 p.m. $5
and live music 6 to 9 p.m.
Legion Riders meeting 6 p.m.
Thursday: Lunch 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. See lunch specials below.
Bingo 1 to 4 p.m. Show Me the
Money 5 p.m. 40/8 Voiture 1219
and Cabane 1219 meeting 7:30
p.m.
Friday: 40/8 fish fry 5 to 7 p.m.
$6. Live music 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday: Lunch 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. See lunch specials below.

Honor Guard meeting 10 a.m.
Pool tournament 2 p.m.
American Legion Post 155 Blood
Drive 1 to 6 p.m. with LifeSouth.
Lunch specials every Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday consist of shrimp bas-
ket with fries $3.50; chicken
nuggets with fries $3; hamburger
with chips $2; hot dog with chips
$1.25; tuna salad or egg salad
sandwich with chips $1.50 (add
fries instead of chips for 50
cents); soup of the day $1.50.
Two different daily specials
priced as required. For more
information, call Cmdr. Jim
Woodman at 795-6526 or see
our Web site www.postl55.org.
Post 155 rents its banquet
center. Go to Web site for infor-
mation.
Post 155 will host The
American Legion Department of
Florida Northern Area Ball on
Saturday, April 19. The "Country
Western Buckaroo Ball" will start
at 6 p.m. with cocktails followed
by a prime rib dinner at 7 p.m.
Debbi G will provide live music
from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. All veter-
ans are invited to attend. For
tickets, call 212-8750 or 795-
6526 or visit the Web site..
E Disabled American
Veterans, Gerald A. Shonk
Chapter 70 of Inverness will
conduct its monthly meeting at 2
p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the-
Chapter Hall. All disabled veter-
ans are invited to attend.
In addition to the regular
meeting, nomination of officers
for the 2008-09 year will take
place. It is urgent that all avail-
able members attend this meet-
ing in order for the chapter to

ensure that we have a full slate
of officers and committee mem-
bers for the oncoming fiscal
year.
The chapter hall is at 1039 N.
Paul Drive near the intersection
of U.S. 41 North and
Independence Highway. For
additional information, contact
John Seaman, chapter com-
mander, at 860-0123 or Richard
Floyd, adjutant, at 726-5031.
m DAV Auxiliary Chapter 70
of Inverness will conduct its
monthly meeting at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, April 8, at the DAV
Gerald A. Shonk Chapter 70,
1039 N. Paul Drive, Inverness.
The Auxiliary will have nomina-
tions for office and welcomes
discussion for its next fund-rais-
ing event. Call Lynn Armitage,
adjutant, at 341-5334 or Shirley
Callahan-Seaman, DAVA com-
mander with any questions.
* Seabee Veterans of
America Island X-23, Crystal
River. An organization of dis-
charged and retired Seabees
from World War 11 to present
time. We meet monthly to dis-
cuss how we can help the com-
munity and schools, etc.
Meetings will be at 11:30 a.m. on
the third Tuesday monthly at
Crystal Paradise Restaurant in
.Crystal River.
" We also have a social lunch-
eon at selected restaurants at 1
p.m. on the second Tuesday
monthly. April 8 will be our First
Birthday Party and will be in
place of our monthly luncheon at
the Seven Rivers Golf and
Country Club, Crystal River. On
May 13, the luncheon will be at
Frankie's Restaurant.

The NSVA State Convention
Cruise is April 21 to 24.
Call Gordon Levins at 795-
7662 or John Kister at 527-3172.
* Island X-18 Seabee
Veterans of America meetings
are at 11 a.m. second
Wednesday, and luncheons are
at 1:30 p.m. third Wednesday.
We have a short meeting, about
one hour, at the VA Office in
Lecanto, then we will eat lunch
at a local restaurant decided at
. the meeting. Third Wednesday
luncheon places are picked by
Charley Rhodes, if you have an
idea of a place to go let Charley
know. If you have any ques-
tions, call Cmdr. David Puffer at
746-9327.
* The 40 & 8 Citrus Voiture
1219 and Cabane 1219 has its
meetings 7 p.m. the second
Thursday monthly at Post 155
on State Road 44 in Crystal
River (6585 East Gulf-to-Lake
Highway). For more information
about the 40&8 or the American
Legion Post 155, call 1st Vice
Cmdr./Membership Chairman
John Kaiserian at 746-1959; for
the 40 & 8, call the Chef De
Gare Larry Pink at 563-5451;
and for the Cabane, call
President Marie Pink at 563-
5451 or visit online at
www.Post155.org .
* Joe Nic Barco Memorial
VFW Post 7122, 8191 S. Florida
Ave., Floral City, 637-0100.
Opens at 9 a.m. Monday
through Saturday and at 1 p.m.
Sunday.
Sunday: Canteen drink spe-
cials.
Tuesday: Bingo at 3 p.m.
Bring a guest and receive a free
strip of bingo cards.
Wednesday: Liver and onions,
or smothered steak dinner $7,
served from 4 to 7 p.m. Take-
outs available. Sponsored by the
Ladies Auxiliary for veterans pro-
grams.

Friday: AYCE Fish Fry, fried,
baked, or blackened, or three
pieces of fried chicken $7, serv-
ing 4 to 7p.m. Take-outs avail-
able. Karoake by Janie Faye 6
to 11 p.m.
Saturday: First Saturday of
the month - Char-broiled steak
dinner $9.25, served from 4 to 7
p.m. Music from 6 to 10 p.m. All
remaining Saturdays - Slow-
roasted prime rib dinner $9.25,
serving from 4 to 7 p.m. Take-
outs available.
Nonsmoking screen porch
available for dining weather per-
mitting.
Meetings: VFW at 7:30 p.m.
first Thursday monthly - Joel
Hughes, commander; Ladies
Auxiliary at 7:30 p.m. first
Thursday monthly - Shareen
Simon, president; Men's
Auxiliary at 7 p.m. second
Thursday monthly - Kenny
Winner, president; American
Legion and Legion Auxiliary Post
255 meet at the VFW at 7 p.m.
third Thursday monthly.
The Post is sponsoring a four-
day Walk/Bike Run April 25 to
28, from Floral City to
Tallahassee to raise awareness
for the need of service/guide
dogs for our returning disabled
veterans. We need walkers, rid-
ers and donations. Anyone inter-
ested in participating may call
527-3747 for information.
* VFW Post 4252 and
Ladies Auxiliary in Hemando
on State Road 200 schedule for
the week of April 6 through 12
and upcoming activities:
Today: Post has bar bingo 2
to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: Ladies Auxiliary has
bar bingo from 2 to 5 p.m. with
food available. Profits go to local
charities.
Wednesday: Chicken wings
three for $1 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Thursday: Pizza special. Get
a 10-inch pizza for $5.50 or a
10-inch pizza and a pitcher of
beer for $10. Choice of pizza:
cheese or pepperoni and
sausage or supreme. Post 4252
election of officers and Post
Auxiliary meeting will be at 7:30
p.m. Thursday.
Friday: Dinner is served from
5 to 6:30 p.m. every Friday
Saturday: Ladies Auxiliary
hosts bingo at 10:30 a.m. with
food available. Pizza special.
Post 4252 Cooties dinner is
from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the first
Sunday monthly, Cooties Jam is
from 5 to 9 p:m."
Post 4252 is having a jam ''
from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April
19.
Post 4252 and Ladies
Auxiliary presents its inaugural
Motorcycle Poker Run for
Multiple Sclerosis on Saturday,
April 26, and begins at Post
4252 in Hemando at 9 a.m.
Kickstands up at 10 a.m. Entry
fee $20. After the run there will
be food, live music and prizes.
For more information, call
Crystal at 637-6793, e-mail
vfw4252@yahoo.com or stop at
the post anytime to sign up and

XZA SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2008 vjv-xjr-x7LMll%�

pick up a flyer with all the details.
All proceeds will go for MS.
Ladies Auxiliary goes to nurs-
ing homes four times a month to
play bingo with the residents.
Everyone is welcome.
Post Honor Guard is available
for funerals, flag raising and
nursing homes. Call Post Cmdr.
Bob Prive at 212-3393 or Ladies
Auxiliary President Judy Prive at
726-3339 for information.
Post 4252 is at 3190 N. Carl
G. Rose Highway (State Road
200), Hernando, FL 34442.
Telephone 726-3339, send e-
mails to
VFW4252@tampabay.rr.com.
N Dunnellon VFW Post 7991
3107 W. Riverland Road (CR
488), Dunnellon.
The post kitchen is still being
renovated. Call the post at (352)
489-1772 for weekly meal
schedule. The canteen is open
from 1 to 9 p.m. daily.
Bingo every Wednesday start-
ing at 5:30 p.m. Members and
public invited.
Bar bingo every Friday at 1
Please see VETS/Page 13A

LEND US

YOUR EARS;I,

Participants

sought for 2008

hearing aid

field study
For the second consecutive
year my audiology clinics have
received a financial grant to
perform a landmadk field study
-on- a new hearing aid model.
The all new Evok is a small
compact hearing aid that leaves
the ear open to natural sound
and delivers understandable
quality in noisy situations.
In exchange for completing a
pre- and post-fitting question-
naire participants will earn free
use of this hearing aid for 30
days, My college degree audi-
ologists will provide all exams
and lab services free of charge
through a generous research
grant from Magnatone.
At the end of this thirty day
trial, participants will return the
aids or purchase them with a
generous field study discount.
Thank you
Dan Gardner M.S.
Free Candidate Screenings
795-5700

p.m. Open to members and the
public.
n The H. F. Nesbitt VFW
Post 10087 in Beverly Hills off
C.R. 491, across the street from
ROC'S 491 Sports Bar and
directly behind the new Superior
Bank.
Today: Bingo in the Big Hall
beginning at 1 p.m. Lots of
games and lots of pay-outs.
Always plenty of snacks and
refreshments as well. Sporting
events on our big screen TV all
aftemoon in the canteen with
lots of good cheer to go around.
Monday: The VFW Golf
League plays each Monday at
different courses. Contact Dick
Sorrells or Jim Freiheit at the
Post for tee times and locations.
The Cake Crab Company Golf
League plays at Twisted Oaks
G.C. every Monday at 8 a.m.
Check with Lou Kempf for avail-
able tee times. Drink specials in
the canteen every Monday.
Monday night dart tournament
begins at 7 p.m.
Tuesday: Pool tournament in
the canteen at 2 p.m. House
Committee meeting and Staff
Meeting every third Tuesday and
Post general meeting every
fourth Tuesday.
Wednesday: Bar bingo in the
canteen at 2 p.m. Wednesday is
Ladies Night. Cookout every
Wednesday night serving ham-
burgers, cheeseburgers, kiel-
basa dogs, and hot dogs with all
the trimmings for a very nominal
donation from 5 to 7 p.m. We
have "Show Me The Money"
every Wednesday from 5 to 7
p.m. hosted by Bill and Val
VanMeter.
Thursday: VFW Mixed Golf
League every Thursday alternat-
ing between Pine Ridge Golf
Club and Twisted Oaks Golf
Club with an 8 a.m. tee time.
Check with Dave Nealey or Ray
Galinski for available tee times.
Pool toumamerit in the canteen
at 7 p.m.
Friday: Dart tournament at 7
p.m.
Saturday: $1 Day from 1 until
5 p.m. Karaoke in the canteen
from 7 to 11. Snacks (sandwich-
es and chips) served every
Saturday night during karaoke.
Different karaoke host most
every Saturday.
' Ldies Auxiliary to VFW
Post 10087 will meet at 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 13, at the post
home.
Bingo players take note -
There is bar bingo at 2 p.m.
Wednesday in the canteen.
Come and join us.
* Hunger and Homeless
Coalition - Anyone who knows
of a homeless veteran in need of
food, haircut, voter ID, food
stamps, medical assistance or
more blankets is asked to call
John Young at the Hunger and
Homeless Coalition at 628-4357,
or pass along this phone number
to the veteran.
* VFW Edward W. Penno
Post 4864, 10199 N. Citrus
Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs.
(352) 465-4864.
VFW general meeting first
Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting sec-
ond Tuesday of the month at 7
p.m.
Men's Auxiliary meeting third
Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
* Gilley-Long-Osteen VFW

Post 8698, 520 County Road 40
East, Inglis (one mile east of
U.S. 19). On the third Wednes-
day monthly, The LAVFW meets
at 5 p.m. the Men at 7:30 p.m. at
the post. Men's Auxiliary meets
at 7 p.m. the second Monday
monthly. Call Cmdr. Dave Finley,
(352) 447-3495.
* Dan Campbell Airborne
Association will meet at 6:30
p.m. the third Wednesday
monthly at American Legion
Post 155, Crystal River. All cur-
rent and previous Airborne mem-
bers and their wives are wel-
come to join. For additional infor-
mation, call Steve Leonard at
726-3693.
* The Marine Corps
League, Samuel R. Wall
Detachment 1139 will conduct
its regular meeting at 7 p.m. the
third Wednesday monthly at
DAV Post 70 in Inverness at the
intersection of Independence
Avenue and U.S. 41 North. All
former Marines are welcome.
Call Tom Heron at 637-2724 or
Joe Spoto at 746-3315.
* Fleet Reserve
Association, Branch 186 will
meet at 3 p.m. the third
Thursday monthly at the DAV
Building, Independence Highway
and U.S. 41 .North, Inverness.
Call Bob Huscher, secretary, at
344-0727.
* The Herbert Surber
American Legion Auxiliary
Unit 225 would like to invite eli-
gible women in Citrus County to
join us. The members meet at
7:30 p.m. the third Thursday
monthly at the Floral City VFW
Post 7122 on U.S. 41, Floral
City. Contact Marcia Gallagher,
membership chairman at 860-
1629 for further information or
any questions. Come and join
this newly re-chartered unit and
be a part of the great accom-
plishments and projects in the
American Legion Auxiliary.
* The Suncoast U.S. Navy
Armed Guard and Merchant
Marine Veterans of World War
II meets at 11:30 a.m. the sec-
ond Saturday monthly at the
Boston Cooker, 5375 Spring Hill
Drive, Spring Hill. The next
meeting is April 12.
* Landing Ship Dock (LSD)
Sailors meet at Denny's in
Crystal River at 2 p.m. the fourth
Thursday monthly. Call Jimmie
at 621-0617.
* Allen-Rawls American
Legion Post 77 and Auxiliary
Unit 77 meet the first Thursday
monthly behind the Key Training
Center in Inverness at 130
Heights Ave. At 6 p.m., there is a
social time for a half hour when
coffee and cookies are served.
The program will be from 6:30 to
7:15 p.m. Then the business
meeting will start. Please bring
some treats to go with the cof-
fee. Call Post Cmdr. David B.
Staples at 746-0873 if you have
any questions.
* U.S. Submarine Veterans
(USSVI) Sturgeon Base meets
at 11 a.m. the first Saturday
monthly at American Legion
Post 155, 6585 W. Gulf-to-Lake
Highway in Crystal River.
Visitors and interested parties
are always welcome. For more
information, call Base Cmdr. Billy
Wein at 726-5926.
. American Legion Post 166
meets at 1:30 p.m. on the first
Saturday monthly at the
Homosassa Lions Club on
Homosassa Trail (C.R. 490). All
former and current post members
as well as all interested veterans
are invited to be a part of American

Legion Post 166. For more infor-
mation, call Bill at 382-1119.
* The Korean War Veterans
Association, Citrus Chapter
192 meets at 1 p.m. the first
Tuesday monthly at VFW Post
10087, 2170 W. Vet Lane,
Beverly Hills.
All military veterans who hon-
orably served within Korea,
including territorial waters and
airspace (Sept. 3, 1945, to June
25, 1950) and within or without
Korea (June 25, 1950, to Jan.
31, 1955) or who served honor-
ably in Korea from Feb. 1, 1955,
until present, are eligible for
membership in the KWVA. Any
Medal of Honor recipient for
service during the Korean War is
eligible for free life membership.
Any prisoner of war by the North
Koreans, Chinese or Russian
forces during or after hostilities
from Jurde 25, 1950, forward is
eligible for free life membership.
Call Cmdr. Hank Butler at
563-2496; Vice Cmdr. Paul
Salyer at 637-1161; or Director
Neville Anderson at 344-2529.
* Aaron A. Weaver Chapter
776 Military Order of the
Purple Heart (MOPH) meets
bimonthly at 1:15 p.m. on the
third Tuesday of January, March,
May, July, September and
November at the Citrus County
Veterans Service Office
Classroom, Citrus County
Resources CenterNA Clinic,
2804 W. Marc Knighton Court,
Lecanto (off of C.R. 491 north of
C.R. 486). All combat wounded
veterans and lineal descendants
of Purple Heart recipients are
invited to attend and to join the
ranks of Chapter 776. Call J.B.
at 527-2460 or Curt at 382-3847.
* Dumas-Hartson VFW Post
8189 and Ladies Auxiliary is
on Veterans Drive, Homosassa,
west of U.S. 19. Turn on to
Veterans Drive from U.S. 19 at
Dixon's Auto Sales across from
Harley Davidson. We welcome
back the many snowbirds to
enjoy the various activities and
events we sponsor.
The post meeting is at 7 p.m.
the second Monday monthly.
We welcome all to our din-
ners.
The post offers hall rental for
all occasions at a very reason-
able rate.
For more information, call the
post at 795-5012 from 1 p.m. to
10 p.m.
* Marine Corps League 819,
Citrus Detachment, just cele-
brated its 15th anniversary. We
are an active group as we do the
county's Military Ball in
November, Toys for Tots pro-
gram (with more than 15,000
toys given to children in our
county last year), sponsor one or
two scholarships to high school
students, and give financial sup-
port to the Young Marines. Our
honor guard has been requested
to participate in funerals for
members of all military branches
and has also attended other mili-
tary functions throughout the
county. We also have several
social functions throughout the
year where families are invited.
If you would like any more
information on becoming a
member, call Commandant.
Robert Deck at 527-1557.
* The Fraternal Military
Association of the U.S.A. will
tour the Normandy Invasion
Beaches, London, Bastogne,
Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, and
more, departing from New York
June 17.
Current, past military person-

nel, dependents, friends, plus
the general public are invited to
participate in this memorable
journey to commemorate the
64th anniversary of D-Day June
6,1944.
For information call Sy Canton
at (561) 865-8495 or write to him
at 14130-C, Nesting Way, Delray
Beach, FL 33484.
* American Legion Legacy
Scholarship Fund. The
American Legion has scholar-
ships for children who lost par-
ent(s) on active duty since Sept.
11, 2001, through the American
Legion Legacy Scholarship
Fund. The American Legion
invites you to join in helping to
provide a legacy through schol-
arships. The American Legion
Riders is sponsoring a fundraiser
for the American Legion Legacy
Scholarship Fund. The fundrais-
er called "Riding for America's
Future" will take place from Aug.
17 to 21 and will start from
Indianapolis, Ind., and end.in
Phoenix, Ariz. ,
The riders' goal is to raise no
less than $350,000 for the
American Legion Legacy
Scholarship to present to the
American Legion National
Commander during the 90th
Annual American Legion
National Convention.
You to can also contribute to
this fund by sending your tax-
deductible contributions to:
American Legacy Run, P.O. Box
1055, Indianapolis, Ind. 46206.
* USS Iwo Jima Class
Association reunion Oct. 15 to
19 in Chesapeake, Va., at
Marriott Hotel. This includes the
following ships: USS Iwo Jima
(LPH2/LHD7), USS Okinawa
(LPS3), USS Tripoli
(LPH10/CVE64), USS New
Orleans (LPH11). For all Ship's
Company and all Embarked
Navy and Marine Corps person-
nel. Contact: Robert G
McAnally, 152 Frissell St.,
Hampton, VA 23663, (866) 237-
3137, Fax (757) 723-4660, e-
mail: yujack@megalink.net.

In SERVICE
Barlow graduates
from basic training
Air Force Airman Kyle A.
Barlow has graduated from
basic military
training at
Lackland Air
Force Base,
San Antonio, .
Texas. During .
the six weeks
of training, the
airman studied
the Air Force Kyle A.
mission,
organization, and military cus-
toms and courtesies; performed
drill and ceremony marches,
and received physical training,
rifle marksmanship, field training
exercises, and special training in
human relations.
In addition, airmen who com-
plete basic training earn credits
toward an associate degree
through the Community College
of the Air Force. Barlow is the
son of Dale Barlow of Wabash,
Ind., and Tammy Fetters of
Crystal River.
He is a 2006 graduate of
Northfield Junior-Senior High
School, Wabash.

You are invited o10 a complimentary and njuonnatuve workshop
that will provide valuable injfnrali'ni oun j'e and smnple-to-
use instruments lbr funeral, cremiatiion or ceneteri' planning.
and introduces exclusive Dignity Memorial' Benefits During
the presentation, participants inay complete a confidential
planning jonn, a copy of which should be kept with your
other important family documents
Proudly presented r

FEDERAL CREDIT UNION "Ratessubject to change B
*Everyone living, working, worshipping, volunteering or attending school in Citrus County, east of Highway 491 and Highway 200, is eligible to join Martin Federal Credit Union.

I

r7�17

0 .... ........ .. ... � - - 11 .. - - - - -- - - I

CrnRus CoUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE

14A SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2008

NEIL SAWYER/Special to the Chronicle
The monastery at Montserrat, Spain, was built around 880 A.D. by Benedictine monks.

GUIDE
Continued from Page A2

ed from view by the tinged
atmosphere. Don't even
think about the fact that the
monks and workers had to
come in great numbers, car-
rying food, tools and all other
provisions, in order to
accomplish the task that was
before them.
Living and working under
the most inhospitable condi-

tions imaginable, these
valiant people forged into
the rocks a pilgrimage desti-
nation of enduring beauty
and holiness.
It would be virtually
impossible to appreciate the
intent and beauty of the mon-
uments of Montserrat with-
out the above prelude - the
vision, creativity, ingenuity
and suffering by all those
people who had a role in this
magnificent creation and
who made it for future gen-
erations to come.

Neil Sawyer is a
22-year Crystal River
resident and businessman.
He and his wife, Karyn,
are extensive travelers,
venturing to foreign
countries two to three times
a year in addition to taking
several domestic excursions
annually. They prefer inde-
pendent travel or with
small-group guided tours.
E-mail him at
gobuddy@tampabay.rr. com.

THE PATIENT ANDANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS ARIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CAICEL
PAYMENTORBE REIMBURSEDFOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHERSERVICES. EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENTTHAT S
PERFORMEDAS A RESULT OF ANOD WITHIN 12 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE.
DISCOUNTED FEE OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE. EXAMINATION. OR TREATMENT

Jason Louis Watkins and
Danielle Lind Shaarda were
united in marriage in an out-
door ceremony at 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 8, 2008, at
the Ocala Jockey Club in
Reddick. Dr. Raymond
Guterman officiated.
The bride, formerly of
Clearwater, is the daughter
of Elizabeth E. Saperstein of
Clearwater and Gregory D.
and Karen G. Shaarda of
Floral City.
The groom, formerly of
Tampa, is the son of Dorine
D. Watkins of Mamaroneck,
N.Y, and the late Gerald
Watkins of Tampa.
The bride was given in
marriage by her father,
Gregory D. Shaarda. She
wore a white satin A-line
gown embellished with crys-
tal, pearls, sequins and
embroidery, silver spaghetti
strapped scoop neckline
with straps crossed on low V-
back, organza inset on cathe-
dral train. She carried a bou-
quet of fresh pink tulips with
celadon ribbon bow.
Maid of honor was Amy
Saperstein, sister of the
bride. Bridesmaids were
Erin Eckhouse, Danielle
DeAndrea, sister of groom,
Erin Schwarzkopf, Nichole
Blubaugh and Louisa Power
Best men were Ryan
McCracken and Eric Lenz.
Groomsmen were Aaron
Watkins, brother of groom,
David Armstrong, Jaysen
Sefchick and Michael
O'Donnell. Ushers were
David White, Julien
LeBlond, Paul Randall and
Sinan Gurman.
Flower girl was Emerson

Natalie Elaine and
Matthew James Baum were
united in marriage Dec. 1,
2007, at the First
Presbyterian Church in
Inverness. Pastor Craig
Davies performed the cere-
mony. The bride is the
daughter of Ron and Bettie
Schnee of Inverness. The
groom is the son of Steve and
7Debbie Baum of Inverness.
The bride, escorted by her
father, Ron Schnee, entered
the sanctuary to "Trumpet
Voluntary" She wore a
champagne empire sheath
gown adorned with beaded
embroidered lace panels.
and carried a bouquet of red
calla lilies wrapped in satin.
The maid of honor was
Molly Heisner. Matrons of
honor were Anne Marie
Kirkland and Melissa Breed-
love, sisters of the bride.
Bridesmaids were Stephanie
Flaherty and Jennifer Baum,
sister of the groom.
The best man was James Lo
Piccolo. Groomsmen were
Ross Keesling, Travis
Flaherty, and Brendan Smith.
Flower girls were Madison
Zavrel and Carrie Zavrel,
cousins of the groom. Ring
bearers were Collier
Kirkland and Clayton

McCracken and ring bearer
was Coblens Tishler
Bagpiper was Joe
MacKenzie, photographer
was Christian Pruitt, brother
of bride, and videographer
was Ron McKinney.
The wedding reception
followed at 5:30 p.m. at Ocala
Jockey Club Event Center,
given by bride and groom
and their parents.
The bride is a graduate of
East Lake High, Tarpon
Springs, class of 1997, and
received her bachelor's
degree from University of
Findley, Findley, Ohio, class
of 2001. She is instructor of
Equine Hunter-Jumper
class, Galaxy Farm,
Riverview, and assistant
director, Huntington Learn-
ing Center, Land 0' Lakes.
The groom is a graduate of
Gaither High, Tampa, class of
1995, received his bachelor's
degree from University of
Florida, class of 1999, and
Master of Business Adminis-
tration from University of
South Florida, class of 2002.
His employment is with
Education Management Corp.
- Brown Mackie College.
The couple honeymooned
in Costa Rica and will live in
Brooksville.

Kirkland, nephews of the
bride.
John Edel and Harry
Hershey provided a program
of piano, violin, and guitar
music for the ceremony and
the couple made tribute to
their grandparents by light-
ing Life Candles. Woodrow
Collier, the bride's grandfa-
ther, gave the wedding bless-
ing to the couple.
The wedding reception
was at St. Michael's Greek
Orthodox Church in
Lecanto. Out-of-town guests
included family and friends
from New York, New Jersey,
Virginia, North Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, Louisi-
ana, and South and Central
Florida.
The couple now resides in
Fairfield, Calif., where the
groom is stationed at Travis
Air Force Base.

Nicolle Marie Newman
and William Scott Osteen
were united in marriage at 4
p.m. Saturday, March 1, at
the home of the bride's par-
ents. Donna Viglione from
the Wedding Chapel in
Inverness officiated.
The bride is the daughter
of Richard and Denise
Newman of Floral City.
The groom is the son of
William Osteen Jr. of High
Springs and Vickie Justice of
Gainesville.
Best man was the groom's
grandfather, William A.
Osteen, and groomsmen
were Chris Clark, Skyler
Gronert, William Quinn,
Jason Borton, Thomas
Newman, Kyle Franklin and
Sheldon Osteen.
Maid of honor was
Stephanie Newman, the

Kenneth Stark Jr. and
Ashlee Dixon were united in
marriage Saturday, March 8,
2008. The ceremony took
place at the Knights of
Columbus Hall in
Homosassa and was officiat-
ed by Tracy Gough.
The bride is the daughter
of Leesa Foster of
Homosassa and J.R. FRgate,
also of Homosassa.
The groom is the son of
Ken and Karen Stark of
Homosassa.
The bride was given in
marriage by her father, J.R.
Fugate.
Matron of honor was
Jackie Hendrickson and best
man was Butch Stark.
Bridesmaid was Brandi

25th
ANNIThVERSARY

The Hammons

Don and Sharon Hammon
of Homosassa will celebrate
their 25th anniversary on
April 17. They are having a
gathering of family and
friends and plan a getaway
soon.
Don is employed with
Progress Energy as a certi-
fied welder and Sharon is a
homemaker They have two
children, Heather and
Donald Jr., and two grand-
children, Hailey and
Nicholas.

Ocala, FL -
If you're in the market for
a new car, there is no better
time to buy than in the next 48
hours. Starting today and last
through Tuesday the 8th,
Honda of Ocala, located on
State Road 200, is announcing
an unprecedented sales event
that can save customers thou-
sands of dollars.
Since the beginning of
their massive renovation last
December, Honda of Ocala
has been forced to work
around an ever-decreasing
storage space which has now
reached the tipping point.
"We've been doing every-
thing we can to make room,"
claims Tony Swain, Honda of
Ocala's General Manager.
"We have payments from
$149... 50% off Kelley Blue
Book... and now we're reach-
ing the final countdown where
everything left positively has to
go."
Starting today, Honda of
Ocala is tagging every remain-
ing new and used car, truck,
van and sport utility still in
stock for immediate removal.
Absolutely nothing currently
on their lot is intended to stay
by close of business April 30th.
Even if shoppers are looking
for a non-Honda vehicle, used
automobiles of every make
and model will be in stock,
including Fords, Nissans,
Toyotas, Chevrolets, Mazda's,
Chryslers and more.
"When our new state-of-
the-art facilities are finally

Mr. Pedro Fuentes and
Mrs. Betty Fuentes of
Inverness are proud to
announce the upcoming
marriage of their daughter
Yvette to Josef Samuel
Leetmaa on July 5, 2008.
Josef is the son of Mrs. Tiiu
Leetmaa of Jonkoping,
Sweden.
The future bride graduat-
ed from Citrus High School
and is currently in her last
year of medical school in
Gothenburg, Sweden.
The groom graduated as a
doctor from Gothenburg
Medical School and is cur-
rently doing his residency.
The wedding ceremony
will take place in
Waynesville Christian

complete, we want to have an
all-new selection to go with it,
meaning everything here has to
find a brand new home,"
Swain went on to say.
To ensure that Honda of
Ocala is successful in their mis-
sion, Swain has developed a
number of unique incentives
that make the next 48 a buying

"We have

payments

from $149...

50% Off

Kelley Blue

Book."

- Tony Swain,
General Manager
Honda of Ocala

opportunity unlike anything
the dealer has ever offered
before. During this event, spe-
cial financing agents will be
available with the intent to
finance every customer that
shows up. No credit applica-
tion will go unaccepted, allow-
ing individuals that may other-
wise be turned down due to
late payments, repossessions,
foreclosures and even bank-
ruptcy some new options in
car shopping.

Fellowship, North Carolina.
The couple will reside in
Gothenburg.

Markham/Prestidge

Mrs. Wendy Markham and
Mr Roger Markham along
with grandparents Linda
and David Danford and
grandparent Eugenia
Meredith are pleased to
announce the engagement of
their daughter and grand-
daughter, Alicia Lynn
Markham, to Joshua James
Prestidge, son of the late Dr.
Joshua Prestidge and his
mother, Darlene Kaye
Prestidge, and his grandpar-
ents the late Mr Albert Jack
Mallett and Elma Elizabeth
Mallett.
Alicia graduated from
Withlacoochee Technical
Institute in 2006 and Joshua
graduated from Crystal
River High School in 2003.
Alicia is employed at 72
Hour Blinds and Joshua is a

Arrangements have also
been made for customers that
are still paying off their current
loan or lease. During Honda
of Ocala's 48 hour sales event,
bank programs will allow the
dealer to pay off any cus-
tomer's trade-in, regardless of
the amount they have driven,
the condition of the vehicle or
even the amount they still owe.
"In many cases, it's possi-
ble for us to put a customer
into a better quality vehicle
with little or no money chang-
ing hands," Swain went on to
say, "In fact, with the new
vehicle offers we currently
have, it's possible that you
could even drive home in a
brand new Honda for a lower
payment than you currently
pay."
Many of the new Hondas
for sale are also available with
0% APR financing, creating
an opportunity that is simply
undeniable to even the most
determined bargain hunter.
There is one downside of
this particular sales event,
which is time. Swain and his
team only have 48 hours to sell
every remaining vehicle, start-
ing this morning and ending at
9PM Tuesday the 8th.
"This is the final count-
down," commented Swain,
"Anybody who is looking for
the deal on a new vehicle needs
to come in and see us as soon
as possible."
Honda of Ocala is located
on SW College road East of
1-75.

Interested consumers should contact

the dealer directly at 1-866-756-6834
744397

Dixon/Stark

Schnee/Baum

ADVERTISEMENT

There's Never Been

a Better Time to

Buy Than The

Next 48 Hours!

hospiceNITE

at Stumpknockers ON THE SQUARE

ai a we , rekEm eme herChanne A

Onus CouNn, (FL) CHRONICLE

6 ..........

2

TOGETHER

- - -- - -- -

CITRUS COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE

Today's HOROSCOPE

Your Birthday: In the year ahead, you'll be
strongly motivated by ambition and desire to make
a stronger impact both in your private and work-
related life. You'll do what it takes to make it happen.
Aries (March 21-April 19) - Usually you're sin-
gle-minded in your work habits, but a personal
issue on your mind could become a distraction.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) - If you want others
to accept you with all your shortcomings, you must
be willing to overlook their faults.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) - To avoid trouble,
don't take it upon yourself to make a major change
within the household without a consensus of opinion.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) - Regardless of how
justified you believe you are about criticizing anoth-
er's faults, it would be much wiser to keep quiet.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) - Make it a point to man-
age your financial resources with extreme prudence.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - In order to be a

leader among your peers, first define your objec-
tives with everyone to get their reaction.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) - Don't anticipate diffi-
culties in situations where there aren't any indica-
tions of trouble.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) - See if you can
come up with ways to limit your nonessential
expenditures.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) - Your chances
are excellent for gratifying an objective, provided
you don't place obstacles in your path.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Rely on your
logic instead of your emotions to come up with the
solution to a personal problem.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) - Someone who is
calm and insightful will be your most reliable counsel.
Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) - To placate a sen-
sitive friend., you might make a commitment you'll
regret.

The Citrus County Animal
Control Shelter has online
listings of impounded ani-
mals. Go to the Web page
animalcontrol.citrus.fl.us and
click on "Impounded
Animals" to begin a search.
To enquire about the ani-
mals listed here, refer to the
W rl-n a

type (cat or dog), age group
and gender.
The shelter is in Inverness
near the airport. The shelter
is open for adoptions from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday and from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Call the Citrus County

Animal Shelter at 726-7660
for more information.
Financial assistance for
spaying and neutering of
your adopted pet is available
through the Humanitarians of
Florida at 563-2370, or from
the Humane Society of
Citrus County at 341-2222.

The Citrus County Chronicle is committed to bringing value
to your life every day! Our staff is involved in over 65 community
organizations volunteering time and effort to support the many
charitable organizations in Citrus County. Sponsoring over 325
events each year also proves our commitment to this community.
Helping to make community organizations successful
is just a part of the value we bring to your life every day.

VACATIONING?
* Pemerriber to take pho
tos during the trip, to
submit to the Dream
Vacation Photo Contest.
* Send in a photo with a
brief description of the
trip Include the names
of anyone pictured, and
include a contact name
and phone number on
the back.
* Weekly winners will be
published in the Sunday
Chronicle.
* At the end of the year, a
panel of judges will
select the best photo
during the year and that
photographer will win a
prize.
* Avoid photos with corn.
puterized dates on the
print.
* Make sure photographs
are in sharp focus,
* Submit photos to the
Chronicle at 1624 N.
Meadowcrest Blvd.,
Crystal River, FL 34429.

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Ozelle

Adventure Race

Saturday

April 26
Ozelle Trail (Ceuiry Rd. 494)
Stars: Prates Ceoe Beat Ramp
10 miles west of US 19 between Homosassa & Crystal River

Ask your favorite Kayak, Running or Bike shops for an application.
Or you can request application form
on line: ozello.net or florldakayakcompany.com
Barry Schwartz Race Director (352) 795-4780

YOU ARE INVITED TO COMPETE
IF YOU ARE 14 TEARS OR OLDER
8& PHYSICALLY Fr
Awads: Overall best times in team category & for individuals in
age/gender classes.

White Sox 5, Tigers 3
DETROIT - Jim Thome hit an RBI
double in the sixth inning for the White
Sox's only hit off Dontrelle Willis, and
Chicago beat the Detroit Tigers 5-3
Saturday, their fifth straight loss to start
the season.
Willis was wild in his debut with the
Tigers, walking seven in five-plus
innings. He gave up three runs in the
White Sox's four-run sixth.
Brandon Inge drove in all of Detroit's
runs with a two-run homer and RBI
double.
- Taking a no-hit bid into the sixth,
Willis walked Nick Swisher and Orlando
Cabrera leading off, then Jim Thome
doubled off the base of left-field the wall
for the first run.
Willis, who was obtained from
Florida along with Miguel Cabrera in a
six-player deal, was pulled in favor of
Zach Miner (0-1). A groundout by Paul
Konerko made it 3-2. Miner then walked
Dye, and Carlos Quentin followed with
a single to tie it, Centerfielder Clete
Thomas bobbled the ball for an error,
which allowed Dye to continue to third.
Joe Crede then hit a sacrifice fly.
Dye added his homer with two outs
in the eight.
Gavin Floyd (1-0) gave up three
runs on six hits in six innings, walking
two and striking out two.

Braves 11, Mets 5
ATLANTA - Kelly Johnson's pinch-
hit grand slam broke open a close game
and the Atlanta Braves overcame a rare
call reversal by the umpires and beat the
New York Mets 11-5 on Saturday.
, Johnson, the regular second base-
man, didn't start for the third straight
game due to his sore right knee. With
two outs in the seventh and the Braves
leading 5-3, Johnson pulled a 3-2 pitch
from Jorge Sosa into the right-field
seats for his second career grand slam.
Tim Hudson (1-0) gave up three
runs and six hits in six innings to beat
John Maine (0-1), who allowed four
runs in four innings.
Jeff Francoeur had three hits, includ-
ing a two-run double off Nelson
Figueroa in the eighth, and drove in
three runs. Chipper Jones also had
three hits for Atlanta.
The Braves led 4-1 in the fifth when
the umpires initially ruled Jose Reyes
hit into an inning-ending fly ball double
play with the bases loaded. Replays,
showed the ball bounced before center
fielder Mark Kotsay dove and trapped it.
Mets manager Willie Randolph
argued the call. With Braves players
already off the field, the umpires hud-
dled and eventually credited Reyes with
a run-scoring single.

Cubs 9, Astros 7
CHICAGO - Kosuke Fukudome hit
a tiebreaking two-run double in the sev-
enth inning and Derrek Lee was 4-for-4
with a home run and two RBIs to lead
the Chicago Cubs to a 9-7 win over the
Houston Astros on Saturday.
Carlos Lee went 3-for-4 with a home
run and two doubles, and Astros ace
Roy Oswalt lost his second game of the
season.
Cubs reliever Kevin Hart (1-0)
pitched 1 2-3 scoreless innings for the
win and Kerry Wood worked a score-
less ninth for his second save.
Trailing 5-2 in the sixth inning,
Derrek Lee doubled to right and moved
to third when Fukudome bunted safely
for a hit. Lee came around to score on
a passed ball by Astros catcher Brad
Ausmus.
In his second start of the season,,
Oswalt (0-2) allowed six runs - five
earned - on 10 hits.

Rays 6, Yankees 3
NEW YORK - Andy Pettitte got the
warm reception he was hoping for
when he made his first start after a
rocky offseason. The rest of the day
didn't exactly go as planned.
Jonny Gomes homered and drove in
four runs against Pettitte to help the
Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York
Yankees 6-3 on Saturday.
Pettitte was on a shorter-than-nor-
mal pitch count after he opened the
season on the disabled list with back
spasms. He lasted just five innings and
was outpitched by Edwin Jackson, who
held the powerful Yankees lineup in
check. Troy Percival pitched the ninth
for his first save.
It was Pettitte's first regular-season
start since he admitted using human
growth hormone and accused buddy
and former teammate Roger Clemens
of also using HGH.
New York again was without Joe
Girardi, who missed his second
straight game with an upper respirato-
ry infection.

Padres 4, Dodgers 1
SAN DIEGO - Jake Peavy contin-
ues to dominate the Los Angeles
Dodgers.:
The reigning NL CyYoung Award
winner threw a two-hitter for the first
complete game in the big leagues this
year, striking out eight to lead the San
Diego Padres to a 4-1 win on Saturday.
Peavy (2-0) improved to 10-1 in 19
career starts against the Padres'
biggest rival. Dodgers ace Brad Penny
(1-1) went.the other way, dropping to 3-
7 against San Diego in 14 career starts.
It was Peary's sixth career complete
game and his first since Sept. 2,2006,
against Cincinnati. It matches the num-
ber of complete games by the Padres
last year. �
Peavy improved to 4-0 against
Penny in six matchups. He held L.A. to
one run, walked one and hit a batter.
While Penny allowed four runs on
six hits in the first inning, a determined
Peavy struck out the side in the first
inning and retired the first nine
Dodgers batters on 37 pitches.
Los Angeles didn't get a base run-
ner until Rafael Furcal tripled into the
gap in left-center leading off the fourth.
Russell Martin hit a pop foul that
catcher Josh Bard caught as he slid
. into the Padres' dugout, winding up on

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
! To verify the accuracy of
winning lottery numbers,
players should double-
check the numbers printed
above with numbers official-
ly posted by the Florida
Lottery. On the Web, go to
www.flalottery .com; or call
(850) 487-7777.

Today in
HISTORY

Today is Sunday, April 6, the
97th day of 2008. There are 269
days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in History:
On April 6,1909, explorers
Robert E. Peary, Matthew A.
Henson .and four Inuits became
the first men to reach the Nort,
Pole. (The claim, disputed by
skeptics, was upheld in 1989 by
the Navigation Foundation.)
On this date:
In 1858, President'Buchanan
issued proclamation declaring
Mormons in the Utah Territory to
be in a state of rebellion against
the U.S, government.
In 1896, the first modem
Olympic games formally opened
in Athens, Greece.
In 1917, Congress approved a
declaration of war against
Germany.
In 1963, the United States
signed an agreement to sell the
Polaris missile system to Britain.
In 1965, the United States
launched the Intelsat I, also
known as the "Early Bird" com-
munications satellite, into orbit.
Ten years ago: The Dow
Jones industrial average closed
above 9,000 points for the first
time.
Five years ago: U.S. forces
encircled and began flying into
Baghdad's international airport.
One year ago: British sailors
and marines newly freed by Iran
said they were blindfolded, iso-
lated in cold stone cells and
tricked into fearing execution
while being coerced into falsely
saying they had entered Iranian
waters.
Today's Birthdays: Nobel
Prize-winning scientist James
Watson is 80. Composer-con-
ductor Andre Previn is 79.
Country singer Merle Haggard is
71. Actor Billy Dee Williams is
71. Actor Roy Thinnes is 70.
Movie director Barry Levinson is
66. Actor John Ratzenberger is
61. Actress Marilu Henner is 56.
Olympic bronze medal figure
skater Janet Lynn is 55. Actor
Michael Rooker is 53. Rock
singer-musician Frank Black is
43. Author Vince Flynn is 42.
Actress Ari Meyers is 39. Actor
Paul Rudd is 39. Actor-producer
Jason Hervey is 36. Rock musi-
cian Markku Lappalainen
(Hoobastank) is 35. Actor Zach
Braff is 33. Actress Candace

Cameron is 32. Actor Bret
Harrison is 26.
Thought for Today: "After the
age of 80, everything reminds
you of something else." -
Lowell Thomas, American author
and broadcaster (bom this day
in 1892, died in 1981).

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APRIL 6, 2008
WA c ionlClero nireln I:1ri

CI riUti (-)LNTN' CI-114(oNl i--.

Gerry Mulligan
OUT THE
WINDOW

Newsstand

price of the

Chronicle

increasing
he price of the daily
Chronicle will
increase to 50 cents
starting with tomorrow's
newspaper
The Sunday newspaper
will remain 75 cents for now,
and those of you who get the
newspaper delivered at
home won't be impacted.
As readers of the newspa-
per, you deserve an explana-
tion.
The cost of doing business
has increased dramatically
in the last couple of years.
One of the main drivers has
been the astronomical
increase in the price of gaso-
line. Each evening the
Chronicle has about 80 driv-
ers traveling every single
road in Citrus County and
dropping off newspapers at
more than half the house-
holds.
Another group of drivers
delivers the papers to the
360 rack locations and 100
stores that sell the newspa-
per.
That's a lot of people and a
lot of gasoline.
This is my 30th year at the
Chronicle and the newspa-
per has always cost a quar-
ter. I had breakfast the other
day with David Arthurs, the
former owner of the
Chronicle and still an active
businessman in our commu-
nity, and he can't exactly
remember when the paper
cost less.
Sometime in the mid-
1970s the paper increased
from a dime to a quarter.
That's about as close as we
can remember.
No newspaper likes to
increase costs to readers,
but this part of Florida is the
cheapest place in the state to
buy a newspaper. And
Florida is one of the places
where readers still get a
great deal.
In this state, there are 40
general distribution daily
newspapers. Of those, the
Chronicle is one of six that
still charges a quarter.
Currently, 25 of the 40 news-
papers charge 50 cents.
There are nine papers
that charge 35 cents.
Most of the 30,000 newspa-
pers we sell each day in
Citrus County are delivered
to homes. In fact, less than 15
percent of our readership
comes from those who pur-
chase the paper at stores or
racks.
There are demographic
reasons why the Chronicle
has such a high penetration
of home delivery readers.
More than 50 percent of the
residents of Citrus County
are retired, so they're not
picking the paper up at work
Please see WINDOW/Page 4C

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SUNDAY
APRIL 6, 2008
www.chronicleonline.com

"A thief passes for a gentleman when
stealing has made him rich."
Thomas Fuller

A consulting firm hired
by the Citrus County
school system has
diverted rebate dollars away
from the district and used
those funds for private pur-
poses.
More than $678,000 has
been misappropriated by
eRate Consulting Services
from federal grant dollars

that were sup-
posed to be
given to the
Citrus County
schools.
Clearly, the
FBI needs to
investigate the
funds that were
diverted from
Citrus County.
On the local
front, the county

makes the guidelines so
bureaucratic and complicat-
ed that consultants are need-
ed to figure things out.
That's where eRate
Consulting came in. The com-
pany already had a track
record of working with other
school districts in Florida, so
Citrus County officials inked
a deal that empowered the

Alabama company
to seek rebates on
the county's

Citrus behalf.
ool funds. In the begin-
ning, Citrus
INION: County didn't even
e abuse; realize that a sig-
+ht nificant amount of
es revenue would be
Iss. generated from
the rebate pro-
gram. It was that naivete that
created a situation where
eRate Consulting could
divert dollars designated for
Citrus County.
Local school officials had
no idea of what they should
have been getting and they
never bothered to even budg-
et the money.
The fact that the money was
being diverted only came to
light because a lawyer for an
eRate employee contacted
the school district and some-
one else sent an anonymous
e-mail to the Chronicle.
The fact that these finds
were missing for so long with-
out a red flag going up points
out an obvious flaw in the
school system's budget over-
sight effort. Superintendent
Sam Himmel needs to make
sure her current financial
team has the necessary over-
sight of all the existing fund-
ing mechanisms now used by
the district - especially
those that include outside
consultants.
In the eRate case, Citrus
County should have never
signed off and permitted
checks written to the county
school board to be sent to the
consultant for deposit. The
proper checks and balances
were not in place.
Because federal funds were
involved, Rep. Ginny Brown
Waite should press the appro-
priate federal agencies to
investigate this case and see
how these abuses were per-
mitted to happen. Not only
should Citrus County imme-
diately get its delinquent
funds from eRate Consulting,
but better safeguards should
be in place to make sure
other school districts and
nonprofits who were meant to
benefit from this program are
not being abused.
And finally, in the best of all
possible worlds, our federal
government would create
programs with less bureau-
cracy so that consultants
aren't needed to complete the
mounds of paperwork
required with these well-
intentioned programs.
That outcome might be
impossible to achieve, but fol-
lowing up the eRate fiasco
should be a top priority for
local and federal officials.

Missing
County schc

OUR OPI
Investigate
improve ov
proce

school sys-

tem needs to assure taxpay-
ers they are doing a better job
of monitoring the work of
consultants who get their
hands on our tax dollars,
As has been documented by
reporter Keri Lynn McHale
in a weeklong investigative
report, eRate Consulting of
Montgomery, Ala., did not
turn over federal dollars
intended for Citrus County
dating back to 2004. The most
recent misapplication of
Citrus County dollars took
place on March 12, 2007.
The CEO of the company,
Jonathan Slaughter, has
denied that his company
diverted Citrus County funds.
Instead, Slaughter told a
Chronicle reporter, the
deposits of checks made out to
the Citrus County School
Board were made inadver-
tently by one of his employees.
Employees at the company
interviewed by the Chronicle
contradicted Slaughter's
explanation and reported
that the CEO personally
deposited the Citrus checks
into the company's accounts.
Internal company financial
records provided to the
Chronicle documented that
checks matching the deposits
meant for Citrus County
repeatedly showed up in the
account eRate used to pay its
bills. Right after the Citrus
checks were deposited, the
owner paid himself large dis-
bursements and then used
the funds for personal pur-
poses.
The Chronicle investigation
further revealed that other
government and nonprofit
entities that used eRate
Consulting have also not
received reimbursement.
eRate Consulting was first
employed by Citrus County in
2004 to help dig through the
piles of bureaucratic filings
necessary to get rebates on
the federal tax dollars con-
sumers pay on their local
telephone bills. The federal
government's, regulations
were so complicated that the
county needed outside help
to apply for the rebates.
It is unfortunately typical
that our federal government
frequently creates programs
to help people but then

Proof still needed
I am the individual who wrote
the letter "Prove your disability,"
and I signed my name!
A person called "Sound Off"
March 15 regarding her ex-father-
in-law, a Vietnam War veteran,
with all kinds of disabilities that he
could not document that were the
result of his service. Of course, the
Veterans Administration asked for
proof. They are required to do so!
Difficulty in breathing, kidney
failure, etc., are disabilities, but if
not proven to be "service-
incurred," the applicant goes to
the bottom of the list so those with
documented service-incurred may
receive needed care.
I'm signing my name again. If
you have something to write to the
editor, sign your name. The Sound
Off column is for wimps.
Donald E. Guard
Homosassa
Price of 'success'
President Bush continues to
speak of successes in Iraq while
violence escalates, and now more
than 4,000 of our GIs are dead and
no end is in sight More than
160,000 of our troops are in Iraq.
This week, I watched the Public
Broadcasting System documentary
"Bush's War" and was sickened by
the failures of our president, the

OPINIONS INVITED
* The opinions expressed in Chronicle
editorials are the opinions of the
editorial board of the newspaper.
* Viewpoints depicted in political car-
toons, columns or letters do not
necessarily represent the opinion of
the editorial board.
* Groups or individuals are invited to
express their opinions in a letter to
the editor.
* Persons wishing to address the edi-
torial board, which meets weekly,
should call (352) 563-5660.
* All letters must be signed and
include a phone number and home-
town, including letters sent via e-
mail. Names and hometowns will be
printed; phone numbers will not be
published or given out.
* We reserve the right to edit letters
for length, libel, fairness and good
taste.
N Letters must be no longer than 350
words, and writers will be limited to
three letters per month.
* SEND LETrERS TO: The Editor, 1624
N. Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River,
FL 34429. Or, fax to (352) 563-
3280; or e-mail to
letters@chronicleonline.com.

vice president and the secretary of
defense in providing the kind of
leadership needed to prevent an
unnecessary attack on Iraq;
before attacking, not having the
forces recommended by our mili-
tary commanders; and having
attacked, permitting the secretary
of defense to disregard his top mil-
itary commanders, assign unquali-
fied commanders to continue with

poorly designed plans; and finally,
a never-ending change of failed
strategies.
For those who missed the docu-
mentary, the full series is available
online at www.pbs.org.
George Harbin
Homosassa
Spend money on research
This is in response to the letter
titled, "Alaskan oil," in which the
writer laments that all of the
Alaskan oil pumped was shipped
to Japan. Further, he suggests that
additional oil pumping in Alaska
would lower the price of U.S. oil.
There are a lot of oil wells in
the U.S. (Texas, Louisiana,
Alaska), but since they are pri-
vately or corporately owned, they
can and do sell to the highest bid-
der, just like any other commodity.
As long as there are countries
willing to pay more than we do for
our oil, it will be exported.
There are no laws in place that I
know of that will force our oil to
stay in the U.S. A move to nation-
alize our oil wells would just open
up a new can of worms and the
fallout from that would be worse
than high oil prices.
We need to spend more money
developing hydrogen fuel.
Shirley Witt
Homosassa

THE CHRONICLE invites you to call "Sound Off" with your opinions on any subject. You do not need to leave your name and have up to 30 seconds to record.
COMMENTS will be edited for length, personal attacks and good taste. Editors will cut libelous material. OPINIONS expressed are purely those of the callers.

THE ISSUE:

ga

SUNDAY, APRIL. 6, 2008 3C

Left or right isn't necessarily right or wrong

As is the case each leap
year, we are now
engaged in the great-
est and most costly political
exercise known to man - the
United States presidential
election.
This year it is more inter-
esting than usual - both
major parties are throwing us
a few curves. Daughter No. 1,
Beth, a dyed-in-the-wool
Republican, has threatened
to vote for the Democratic
candidate based on her eval-
uation of the GOP nominee-
apparent, while my very
staunch Democrat daughter-
in-law, Gayla, has hinted she
might vote for the Republican

because she's not
thrilled with either
of her party's front-
runners. -
Surprising.
I thought I knew A
the depth of the
political convic-
tions of both of
these young
ladies, but appar- Fred B
ently not. Of A SLI'
course, it's not the LI
only time I've
been surprised.
"There is nothing you
could ever do that would stop
me from loving you."
If there's anyone it's safe to
talk politics with, it's some-

3r
F
IF

one who has made
such a statement
to you. In my case,
n- it's daughter
! Becky. While we
agree on most
things, in recent
years I've found
my otherwise con-
servative second-
rannen born leans to the
DE OF left on certain
FE issues.
Becky is a south-
paw and, true to
form, most of the time she
thinks with the right side of
her brain, but she still wants
to believe poverty can be
fixed by throwing money at

it; and she also believes
there's no place in modern
society for guns. Considering
Becky's opinions has
changed some of mine.
The Bible is the only infal-
lible document; but as for
governing our country, the
abiding standard is the
Constitution. After more
than 200 years, the
Constitution remains rele-
vant; but do all facets of it fit
today?
I've imagined the environ-
ment in which its framers
lived and what their thoughts
might have been regarding
some of today's "hot but-
tons."

Prayer in schools: During
the late 18th century, wor-
ship was a central part of
life. They were concerned
for the freedom to worship,
not freedom from worship. I
suspect those fellows would
be amazed, and most likely
appalled, at how our courts
have interpreted what they
wrote and the current con-
clusion which limits public
prayers. I believe the right is
correct to continue this fight.
The right to bear arms:
The weaponry of that period
was generally confined to
muzzle-loaders. Loading and
firing a musket could take an
experienced shooter a

minute or more. These men
could have never imagined
assault rifles firing hundreds
of rounds per minute. I sus-
pect if they were alive today,
they would seek to ban such
weapons, not assure the right
to own them. I believe the
left is right to continue
efforts to limit such insanity.
All things considered, I've
concluded that the liberal
left is not always wrong and
the conservative right is not
always right

Fred Brannen is an
Inverness resident and a
Chronicle columnist

County spending policies

need review, scrutiny

When I campaigned
for the Citrus
County Commission
two years ago, my principle
issue was fiscal
accountability. I
knew that county
government was
wasting a lot of
money through
frivolous spending
and poorly con-
trolled purchasing
policies. As I was
campaigning, I John Th
even took a lot of GU
good-natured rib-
bing about my COL
expressed con-
cern over air fresheners put
into the cabs of trucks after
they were given an oil
change.
As a new commissioner, I
met with County Clerk Betty
Strifler and asked her how I
could root out unnecessary
spending and wasteful prac-
tices. I learned that as the
county's chief financial offi-
cer, Mrs. Strifler regularly
audits spending by our vari-
ous departments and issues
reports with recommenda-
tions for the board to exam-
ine and consider.
I knew we had waste, but
until I began to study the
records, I hadn't realized

how much money was being
lost every week from a lack
of simple oversight. Over the
next few months, as I
learned how our
government really
works, I began to
focus on the con-
sent agenda. This
part of the BOCC
agenda is sup-
posed to deal with
"housekeeping"
items about budg-
trumston et transfers,
EST amendments to
EST administrative
UMNN regulations and
other bureaucrat-
ic stuff that does not affect
board policy or other major
issues. Although commis-
sioners can and sometimes
do ask that a particular item
be removed from the consent
agenda, the idea is that the
whole consent agenda will
be passed with a single
motion and little discussion.
Many items are relatively
small. A few thousand dol-
lars doesn't sound like much
out a multi-million budget,
but as I added it all up, I real-
ized that over a year's time,
millions of dollars are at
stake.
Again, I have taken some
hits over my questioning the

need for a new $36,000 air-
boat or the more recent
$45,000 worth of Redwing
boots for county employees. I
have not had a lot of board
support, in stopping these
staff requests, but the public
has been very responsive.
Recently I began to look
into the county's purchasing
card policy. There are 198
credit cards issued to county
employees. This is currently
overseen by their supervi-
sors' monthly review of the
credit card bills. How much
is at stake? These expendi-
tures average around
$200,000 per month! I have
found inappropriate spend-
ing and insufficient justifica-
tion of expenditures. As a
result, I have placed on the
agenda for Tuesday's meet-
ing a request that the board
review our county's purchas-
ing card policy
I think this review and a
revision of the policy will be
one small step by county gov-
ernment, but one giant leap
towards the relief of over-
burdened taxpayers!

John Thrumston represents
District 4 on the
Citrus County Board
of County Commissioners.

Pizza for purpose Paying for drugs

In regard to the pizza
pies at the jail: The
inmates are supposed to
send that money to Relay
for Life, for cancer. Now
who gets the tax write-off?
Does CCA file for the tax
write-off or does that go
for the inmates? And also,
they have over a
million dollars in t m
their fund, so
why should they
have to pay for
this stuff for the
inmates? And
who gets the
interest on the
million dollars
that the inmates CALL
have in their can- 563
teen fund? 5
Something is not
right there in that
picture.
Halls River Road
Well, here it is another
Friday night - it's not
Saturday night - that you
drive Halls River Road and
there are cars parked all
over the right of way.
People are walking in the
street in dark clothes.
You're almost hitting
them. People are pulling
out of the restaurants
right in front of you
because they are over
served, yet the cops don't
do nothing about this.

In response to Monday's
article on the drugs that
fail to improve heart dis-
ease and the American
people have spent up to
$5 billion buying them: I
wonder just how many of
those $5 billion were from
the taxpayers due to
Medicare and
I f Medicaid. So
here I am getting
money taken out
of my paycheck
every week to
help get some
people rich off a
drug that doesn't
do nothing for
nobody except
Q0579 their pockets. I
0 wonder who is
running this
country.
Lotsa pizza?
I'm calling in regard to
the "Prison pizza" Hot.
Corner. My boyfriend is a
delivery driver for a pizza
chain and he himself
delivers to the jail at least
once a week or more, not
to mention he never gets
tipped. I don't know who
orders or pays or eats it-,
but I do know my
boyfriend goes out there
all the time. I highly doubt
my boyfriend is the only
delivery driver that goes
out there, so how many

times a week do these
people order? The guards
can't be eating all of it or
they'd never be fit enough
to control the criminals,
who work out all the time.
But it's definitely not for
any charity when it's after
10 o'clock when they
order, is it?
Tip the drivers
I realize that people
think that tipping should
be an option. Well, they're
talking about tipping a
dog groomer, but what
about the pizza guy who
delivers the pizza all the
way from Crystal River
almost to the barge canal
and all the way to
Homosassa without even
getting a tip for gas? We're
wasting gas. At $3.20 a
gallon, that's a lot of
money, OK? We don't get
paid for that. We work for
minimum wage and lately
we're lucky if we can even
make our gas. So when
you really consider, try tip-
ping a pizza driver.
Popularity polls
I've noticed that the
press does not tell us the
numbers of the popularity
polls for the president and
the vice president lately. I
guess the Republicans
don't know how to work
with negative numbers
very well.

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CITRUS COUNTY (FI) CHRONICIE

CC>MMENTAR-Y

m

-I

CleeklNUled thelibealrtsduct

College killed the liberal arts education

In a recent essay Mark
Henrie asks: "Why go to
college?" College is con-
sidered the path to success
in this country, thought by
some to be a necessity.
Henrie questioned this and
examined issues surround-
ing attending liberal educa-
tion. His question merits
serious consideration.
Everyone "knows" that
college graduates earn in
their lifetimes many hun-
dreds of thousands of dollars
more than those who go no
further than high school. We
assume college graduation is
what accounts for the differ-
ence. Economist and writer
Thomas Sowell points out
the flaw in this statistic:
Those completing college
likely have greater learning
capacities and demonstrably
better self discipline, on
average, then students who,
for whatever reason, do not
attend or graduate from col-

lege. Sowell sug-
gests that compar-
ing students of
equal talents who
did not graduate
college with col-
lege grads would
show little differ-
ence in lifetime
earnings. For
instance, Bill Dr. WV
Gates (Microsoft), Di:
Michael Dell OTH
(Dell computers),
Steve Jobs VOl
(Apple) and Sir
John Majors (former British
prime minister) did not
graduate college.
James Taranto, opinion
page editor for the Wall
Street Journal and a college
dropout, got it right.
-Businesses care nothing
about what was learned in
college, but they are looking
to hire the best and bright-
est. They use a college diplo-
ma as a substitute for the

i
rN

abilities test they
wish they could
administer to
screen potential
employees. A
high school grad-
uate who scored
well on that test
would typically
be hired before a
illiam college grad who
on did less well. But
ER those tests are no
more. The politi-
DES cally correct
crowd declared
such tests culturally biased
against minority students
and therefore discriminato-
ry and illegal. Today, pre-
senting a diploma from a
"good" college simply tells
an employer that the appli-
cant probably has more
native talent than other
graduates, and nothing
more.
Many of today's students
need additional training to

remedy what they failed to
learn in high school. The
majority of high school grad-
uates cannot read, compose
or speak English proficient-
ly. Community and junior
colleges are the best choices
for students needing to
improve on basic skills. But
these are not "college" in the
classic sense, either.
Must we attend a liberal
arts "college" to learn a
trade? Medicine and law,
both "white-collar" trades,
require undergraduate study
before a student can apply.
These graduate schools use
academic performance to
select students likely to be
successful in advanced stud-
ies. What was learned in
"college" is minimally rele-
vant. In reality, bright high
school grads would perform
very well in law or medicine,
were they permitted to apply.
Neither discipline is "rocket
science!"

Teachers colleges, schools
of nursing, journalism,
finance and business are.
trade schools and not college
in the traditional liberal arts
sense. Their mission is to
graduate students skilled in
an economically useful dis-
cipline. They do not claim to
put students in touch with
the great thinkers and
philosophers and artists.
They teach neither critical
self-examination nor the
search for the "good life."
The only reason the
brightest students might
wish to attend a liberal arts.
college is to expand their
mental horizons and gain
critical perspectives on
human existence. But, sadly,
what most liberal arts col-
leges teach today is leftist
propaganda bent on destruc-
tion of Western society, tradi-
tions and mores. The great
thinkers are "deconstruct-
ed," rendered meaningless.

Students are pressured to
value above all "diversity"
and "multiculturalism" en
route to becoming "progres-
sive" men and women of the
left.
However, some colleges
still offer a classical liberal
arts education. If you are a
bright student or a parent of
one, I recommend this site:
www.ISI.org. Get a copy of
"Choosing the Right
College." You'll be pleased!

Dr. William Dixon is an
Inverness resident and
retired surgeon. He earned
his M.D. degree from New
York Medical College, an
MBA from University of
South Florida and his bach-
elor's from Columbia
College. He served 11 years
in the U.S. Army achieving
the rank of lieutenant
colonel. He can be e-mailed
at wdixonl6@yahoo.com.

--- Hot Corner: IRATE OVER E-RATE

Thanks to city
Keep America Beautiful
believes each of us holds an
obligation to preserve our
environment Through our
everyday choices and actions,
we collectively have a huge
impact on our world.
As an award-winning affili-
ate, we fully agree and that's
why, at our last meeting, this
board voted unanimously to
congratulate, encourage and
commend the city of Crystal
River for its proposal to pur-
chase the Three Sisters
Springs complex.
What a laudable effort to
preserve and protect such an
incredible and outstanding
natural resource.
That type of leadership and
dedication speaks well for the
future of Citrus County in
general and the city of Crystal
River in particular
Keep Citrus County
Beautiful Board of
Directors
Mike Colbert, President

- -

"Copyrighted Material

SSyRdi ied Content

iKifn m Commercial NewS'"

*f* &fl..^

Drivers' intentions
I have been reading about
the tragedy of young drivers.
When I was a school
crossing guard in Dun-
nellon, cars tried to hit me;
it was not an accident
Recently, a car sped up to
hit me and destroyed both
cars. The responding officer
did not think this was possi-
ble and gave me a ticket
When I was a working offi-
cer (a fireman) in Pinellas
County, we called them sui-
cide drivers. It is never an
accident, and it could be
your best friend.
After the accident, they
have asked me if they killed
anyone. It seems they don't
want to go to hell alone.
Suicide among teenagers
is the most puzzling problem
in medicine. I have talked
down potential suicides who
seemed to have a very suc-
cessful life. They just give
up, and when they do you
pray you are not around.
A psychological (test) is not

lers;

required to drive, so beware
of the free ride. You may
meet the suicide drivers.
Robert Dunn
Crystal River

Clever coiffures
I had a horrible experi-
ence at a beauty shop in"
Crystal River My mother's
permanent was great, but I
was whacked. You couldn't
even put a roller in it
My Mom reminded me of
Donna Slusser, who just
opened Tiffany Wigs. We
went and she took my scarf
off and cried with me.
It took her maybe 15 min-
utes to find a wig that looks
very natural on my head. I
now own three wigs.
I thank Donna with all my
heart and hope that other
ladies that have had this
problem or are losing their
hair will go see her.
Darlene Prestidge
Crystal River

"Copyrighted Material

Aa lfrSyndicated Content

Available from Com mercial News Providers".

Heads should roll
I'd like to know why did it
take nearly two years for the
Citrus County School District
to realize they never received
the reimbursement checks
totaling nearly three quarters
of a million dollars from the
consolidation company from
Alabama? And secondly, why
did the school district con-
tract with a company from
out of state? Surely some-
body from the state of
Florida could have advised
the school district on how to
get this money back from the
phone companies. TIthink it's
time some heads should roll
at that school district for
messing up like they did.
Expensive lesson
It's April 2. I just finished
reading the comments of the
school board members
regarding the $678,000
missing in federal rebates.
They should all come to real-
ize now that employees
should be hired for their
intellect and not keep hiring
relatives and friends to fill

positions in the system from
top to bottom, regardless of
their know-how or experi-
ence. This was a very expen-
sive lesson.
More wasted money
Once again our five paid
school board members
botched receiving $678,000
in federal rebates. I still
believe that there are quali-
fied people that are willing to
do this job representing the
schools of this county, and
not seeking salaries, but do
this on a voluntary basis as
they do in other states. Our
school board officials are
paid way too much money for
this part-time job and they
aren't doing a good job of it.
What to do?
I'd like to know what the
school board is going to do
in terms of getting the miss-
ing e-Rate funds back into
Citrus County School Board's
financial pot. So if the
Chronicle could report more
on what steps the district is
actually taking to get the
money back, I'd like to see

that in the newspaper.
Dropping the ball
It's hard to believe that the
school board took nearly two
weeks to determine that
someone dropped the ball in
not recognizing that some-
one should be held responsi-
ble for the district not receiv-
ing $678,000 from a con-
tractor. They gave out a con-
tract, no one followed up and
then they initially blamed the
computer technician. They
then refer to $678,000 as
bonus money or free money.
What are they thinking? I
would like to get a contract
with them and be able to be
unsupervised and keep the
$678,000.
. Not-me game
A Chronicle headline today
says, "Members agree
money could have helped
district." What a great state-
ment by the school board;
$678,000 gone and they
think it could have helped?
Sounds like they are playing
the not-me game. It is some-
body else's fault.

Hot Corner: EVOLUTIONARY THEORY

Remember history
With the current debate
over teaching evolution in the
schools, it's important to
remember that the church
branded Galileo a heretic
when he said that the sun,
not the Earth, was the center
of our solar system.
Consider concept
This is Sunday, March 31.
I'm calling in about the lady
who was talking about evolu-
tion, and God having made
the Earth and planets in six
days ... Since there wasn't a
planet, God had to make
one, and since our concep-
tion of time is based upon
the rotation of our planet
around the sun, exactly how
many days did God take to
make the planet? These
would be God's days, not
human days. Think about it
people - conception of time
and space and an omnipo-
tent God.
'Language of God'
I have a book to suggest
for anyone who is still debat-
ing or trying to come to grips
with the question of evolution
vs. religion. This book is by a
very noted scientist, Dr.
Francis Collins, and it's called
"The Language of God." He
is an eminent scientist who
worked on the genome proj-
ect ... He had been an atheist
but has come to terms with
God, that there is a God as

well. And he finds that sci-
ence and religion enhance
each other. So I want to sug-
gest the book for people out
there.
Bumper wisdom
Our son called and told us
of a bumper sticker he saw
that read, "The day Darwin
died, he changed his mind
about evolution."
God's work
This is in response to
"Fable frustration," where a
gentleman asked how reli-
gion explains finding human
remains over a million years
old. When God created
Adam, he was not a baby; he
created him full grown. So
although Adam was one
minute old, he appeared to
be 30, 35 years old. God can
make things appear to be
older than they actually are,
and this answers the gentle-
man's question.
Question of time
I'm confused. Does the
(person) questioning evolu-
tion believe that God created
wristwatches or just Rolex?
Creation came first
In reference to creation
and evolution: The world and
everything in it had to be cre-
ated first before it could con-
tinue to evolve. Only after
something is created is when
man, per se, can change
things and has the brains to
create out of what has

already been created. Even if
you want to believe that the
Big Bang started things, how
did the Big Bang come
about? We know so little of
life. Science says there.are
other universes and we are
trying to reach them.
Parents necessary
In answer to a recent ques-
tion in Sound Off: "If we
evolved, why do we have a
mother and a father?"
Parents and offspring are
necessary for natural selec-
tion in evolution, which is
sometimes called descent
with modification. It depends
on the offspring being differ-
ent, and the ones that are
most able to survive are the
ones that survive.
God's power
The person who feels sorry
for me, who wrote and said
that creationism is a fairytale
and people who do not have
an education believe in it, is
taking my words and miscon-
struing them all over the
place ... God could use any
means that he had the
almighty power to do. So
therefore, God could use evo-
lution and, you know, 1,000
years passes in the blink of
an eye to God. What does
that mean? Hmm. How many
blinks in a day does it take
to add up to a million years
worth of God's power influ-
encing evolution? That's the
education I'm talking about.

WINDOW
Continued from Page 1C

and would prefer the conven-
ience of having it on the
driveway when they wake up.
Speaking of waking up, am I
the only one who thinks

retirees wake up way too
early? Our goal is to get the
newspaper- delivered by 6:30
a.m. Because it takes three
hours for a carrier to get the
papers delivered, it means
some subscribers start getting
-the newspaper before 3 am. so
homes at the end of the routes
can get serviced by 6:30 a.m.

Not a week goes by that I
don't get a complaint from a
retiree that it's 4:30 a.m. and
they don't have their papef. I
can understand when folks
who have to be at work at 7
a.m. - or those who are trav-
eling to Ocala or Tampa for
employment - want their
paper early But I don't get it

when retirees are up at 4:30
a.m. reading the newspaper
We appreciate the loyalty,
so I won't really complain.
But when that retirement
time comes for me, I do hope
I'll be able to stay in bed until
the sun comes up.
The bottom line of our
increase is that our costs

have skyrocketed. In the
mid-1970s when the paper
was first increased from a
dime to a quarter, gasoline
sold at less than 50 cents a
gallon. I don't have to tell you
what the price is today
You can still get your daily
newspaper at less than 25
cents a day by signing up for

home delivery.
We appreciate your read-
ership and don't make these
changes lightly

Keep our oil Animal advocacy S o Checks, balances Hire oil leaders
Instead of sending Alaskan oil to I am appalled that people are just This is to Sheriff Jeff Dawsy at I'm calling about the Congress
Japan, let's keep it here. We can sell corn dropping off their animals or putting . the Citrus County Sheriff's Office: interrogating the oil leaders of the
to Japan and let them make ethanol. them up in an ad "free to a good home" Please have checks and balances major oil companies. Isn't that a
Still fuming ... Evidently they don't care. I find it reference your PT course. Don't lose faulrce? The our Congess is no ucct. Maybe
I'm still fuming about the restaurant really sad that these animals trust peo- dedicated deputies that have made we should hire the executives in the
that threw out people for not standing pie and no one really cares. At least a career in law enforcement. oil companies to help turn around
during the song when they were just turn them in to the animal shelter so CAsL Sometimes knowledge overrides what's been happening in
trying to eat their food ... they can possibly have a good home. 0579 physk al ability.- ...- --- - ....Washington, D.C.
563y079nF

cliRus Coumy (FL) CHRoNicix

40 S YAPUL 6 2008

COMMENTARY

C'I 1 ri3 U(7flII f'(L HOICL.--N A Y INAA'i16 085

Vehicle privileges
With gas hovering around
$3.30 a gallon, it really
gripes my hind end to see
these sheriff's (deputies)
driving their patrol cars to
use for personal business,
using them to haul their fam-
ilies for baseball prac-
tice, hunting events,
and other things. With
gas hovering at that
price, us, as taxpay-
ers, we don't have the
privilege to use a per-
sonal car. You don't
see the fire depart-
ment driving their fire
trucks home on the CAL
weekends to haul 5
their families out to 5U
eat. So don't you
think they should
park their patrol cars just
like all the rest of us? We
don't get to use the vehicles,
so that should be something
that needs to be looked into.
Pending celebration
I hope to join the world-
wide celebration on Jan. 20,
2009, when George Bush
leaves office, unless the vot-
ers lose their grip on their
sanity and vote to extend this
horrendous administration
by voting for John McCain.
Beg to disagree
A comment on Dr. Dixon's
March 30 column, "600,000
reasons for declaring war on
terrorism." I disagree with
his point of view based on
his last paragraph. He
writes: "Once a democrati-
cally elected president."
Sorry, sir, but Al Gore was
the democratically elected
president in 2000. "On the
basis of recommendations
from his staff." Sorry again,
sir, but he all but ignored the
pre-Sept. 11 intelligence and

!

L
Q

briefings. In fact he didn't
even want to hear any more
about al-Qaida. "Supported
by a congressional vote." Yes,
made with false information,
misleading intelligence and
bald-faced lies. And,
"Patriotic Americans ought
to support it."
Support it to
what end, sir?
Support it to how
many more
deaths and
injuries, sir?
Go to church
Someone
called in and
wanted to know
JM Q how President
5VU Bush has the
nerve to go to
church. You have your free-
dom, don't you? Maybe you
ought to go to church and
pray for the president and
the boys and girls fighting for
you and your family.
Rays over Yankees
I just looked at the base-
ball lineup and see you have
listed the Yankees above the
Rays even though they are
both 1-0. Come on, guys.
This is a Florida paper. We
are Rays fans. Let the New
York papers favor the
Yankees.
Get in shape
Well, now that the deputies
are going to have to attend
the gym, us criminals are
going to have to start work-
ing out as well.
Hey, Oprah!
I wonder if an editor would
write the fan mail address of
Oprah Winfrey in the paper
for me. I would thank him
very much.
Editor's note: You can write
to Oprah Winfrey at P.O. Box

909715, Chicago, IL 60690-
9715.
Signal for safety
When you fail to use your
turn signals, you are the only
one in the world who knows
what you are going to do.
The rest of us can only
guess. If you are lucky, we
will guess right.
Keep pool open
As a regular water exer-
ciser at the Bicentennial
Pool, I want to thank you for
the front-page coverage of
the possible YMCA takeover
of the pool program during
six months of the year and
the pool's possible closure
during the other six
months. We knew we had a
diamond in the rough, but
so many Citrus County resi-
dents and snowbirds were
oblivious to the heated
pool's existence.
Run by a few?
A recent caller to Sound
Off stated that the United
States Constitution and the
Federalist Papers indicated
that we are not a democracy
but a representative republic.
I would say we're not a repre-
sentative republic; we're an
oligarchy.
Price intervention
I think it's time our govern-
ment finally steps in in
regard to the higher prices. I
think our manufacturers are
taking us to the fullest ...
Anywhere from toothpaste to
dog food to gasoline is all
just going so sky high. I
don't think it's warranted. I
think something's being
pulled right out from under-
neath the American people's
nose ... Our government
needs to step in and do
something.

Paying school
taxes
I've read many comments
against reducing or ending
school taxation after a cer-
tain age is reached. I under-
stand wholeheartedly the
caller's feelings at the age of
80.
When I was in school, it
was my parents and grand-
parents who paid taxes. I
attended both public and
private schools and my
father boasted nine off-
spring. Needless to say, he
paid his fair share. I paid
public school taxes, my kids
attended private schools. I
still pay school taxes
because I am a home owner,
and haven't had a child in
school for many years.
My personal feelings vary,
but I believe all parents
should pay school taxes; not

only those who own homes,
but those who rent or reside
in less expensive housing.
Renters pay no taxes.
How long must one pay?
Would it be so unfair to
lower school taxes due once
reaching the age of perhaps,
72 years? Is it selfish to con-
sider the elderly who strug-
gle to afford food and med-
ication? Would you be so
judgmental had you paid
school taxes for 50, 60 and
even 70 years?
For your information, Ms.
Keyte, people have been
and are turned away from
hospital emergency rooms
because they don't have and
cannot afford health insur-
ance. I think your compar-
isons of fire protection and
transportation to school.tax-
ation is ridiculous.
As for Social Security, you
pay it because it's,the law.

Are you aware of how this
collected money is spent?
Do you honestly believe it
all goes to the elderly, who
worked and paid into the
Social Security fund just as
you do now? Do some in-
depth research and you'll be
amazed instead of offended.
My parents paid school
taxes until the day they
died, without complaint, and
withdrew very little. My
mother would have eaten a
lot better, had the luxury of
more than just Medicare
and generic drugs, and bet-
ter enjoyed her last years of
life if she didn't have to
worry about stretching
every penny, and, yes, pay-
ing outrageous school taxes.
It should end some time
and some way other than by
death.
Joanie Welch
Inverness

JIM SHIELDS/Special to the Chronicle
The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Valerie Mahoney - RE/MAX Realty One. Pictured front
row: Chamber Ambassadors Chuck Morgan, Rhonda Lestinsky and Tammy LaValle, Nancy Bowdish, Steve Varnadoe, Valerie
Mahoney, Sally Cure, C.R. Bankson, Chamber Ambassadors Jennifer Duca and John Porter. Pictured back row: Chamber
Executive Director Kitty Barnes, Lou Nally, and Ambassador Janet Mayo. Val is a native Rhode Islander who moved to Florida
to escape the long cold winters up north. She spent 30 years in the service industry; therefore customer service and satis-
faction are second nature to Val. The challenge of working with people to help them achieve their lifelong dream is what makes
the real estate business worth the effort to Val. To reach Val call (352) 220-4023 or visit her in the newest office in Homosassa
located at 8375 S. Suncoast Blvd.

YOU CAN'T CONTROL

THE MARKET,
BUT YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR DECISIONS.

Sometimes the market reacts poorly to changes in the
economy. But just because the market reacts doesn't
mean you should. Still, if current events are making you
feel uncertain about your finances, you should schedule
a complimentary portfolio review. That way, you can help
make sure you're in control of where you want to go and
how you'll potentially get 1i,. .

Supervisor of Elections June, at your house of wor-
Susan Gill encourages citi-' ship; July, the emphasis is on
zens to be a part of the registering online. August

Statewide
VO.T.E. (Voter
Outreach
Through
Education)
Program for
the 2008

S*
0X The ultimate
voting machine... YOU
V*4*,Tr~oICv Mrc

/ vOi

Election Cycle.!
Starting in March until the
election in November, each
month will be devoted to pro-
viding the easiest possible
ways to register, update your
registration and vote.
During March, elections
workers will be at work-
places; in April, schools and
community colleges; in May,
shopping centers. During

a n d
September
will contin-
ue registra-
tion efforts
along with

I a. u v o t i n g
reminders.
Any person or organiza-
tion wanting to participate in
a VOTE event or host a regis-
tration drive is asked to con-
tact the Citrus County
Supervisor of Elections at
341-6740 or.
Primary Election is
August 26 - registration
deadline for this election is
July 28.

www.citrusc-ountychaimbei-.col-n

m

mmm
The Tenth Annual SCORE
Golf Classic will be Monday at
Sugarmill Woods Country Club
in Sugarmill Woods. SCORE is
a volunteer organization that
provides free counseling to new
and existing businesses in Citrus
County. Thanks to the support of
so many of you golfers and non-
golfers alike, our past touma-
ments have been very success-
ful. As in previous years we are
looking for sponsors, players
and donors for giveaway prizes.
For only $100 you can become
a hole or tee sponsor with your
name prominently displayed on
placards at greens or tees. In
addition, you will receive greens
fees for a foursome for a free
round of golf for your future per-
sonal or business use during
2008 at Sugarmill Woods
Country Club. Sponsors will also
be recognized in an appreciation
announcement in the touma-
ment program and published in
the Citrus County Chronicle.
Hole or tee sponsors that bring a
foursome to this event will also
receive a $40 discount on the
tournament greens fees in addi-
tion to the greens fees for a
future foursome. The individual
player fee is $60 and includes
greens fees, golf cart, lunch,
beverages and prize opportuni-
ties. If you are not part of a four-
some, we will assign one to you.
There are prizes for each of
three flights, hole-in-one contest,
putting contest, chipping contest,
and other prize opportunities.
For additional information con-
tact Craig Gifford at (352) 382-
9034.

The Red Eagle Lodge of West
Central Florida, Inc. in conjunc-
tion with Citrus County Parks
and Recreation presents the 8th
Annual Red Eagle Lodge Pow-
Wow in Floral Park on April 11,
12, & 13, 2008. On April the 11th
is Children's education day and
three local schools will present
forums on different aspects of
Native Education, Story Telling,
History, Music, Songs about life,
Crafts, Tools for trade and life,
Food is always the best part.
April 11th is also Elders Day in
the late afternoon; we honor
them because they are our
teachers in life. On April. 12th at
1:00 p.m. is our Grand Entry
where The Seven Rivers Warrior
Society will be our Honor and
Color Guard. On April 13th is the
final day of our Pow-wow, come
out to enjoy the music from the
host Drum Group, Native
American Intertribal dancers and
singers with Story telling, Native
foods and Native
crafters/traders.
Please come out and enjoy
our Intertribal Pow-wow. For
more information you can call
Pansey Cleaveland at (352)
726-4380 or John Porter at
(352) 563-2817
MEN
Little Vines Daycare offers
daycare for toddlers (ages 1 &
2) and preschool (ages 3,4,5),
as well as before and after
school care in a loving Christian
environment. Children who go to
Inverness Primary will be able to
take a school bus to and from
Little Vines Daycare. Location:
960 South US Highway 41 (Next
to Vineyard Church) Inverness,
Fl. 34450. In order to meet the
needs of our community, we are
currently undergoing an expan-
sion and will be able to admit
more children shortly. We are
accepting applicants for our

increased capacity. We are
blessed to have Miss Twilla as
our Director who brings over fif-
teen years of experience in the
child care profession. Contact us
for more information: 352 726-
1480 Church Office or Little
Vines Daycare - 352 726-2875.
OEM
Stumpknockers on the
Square, in Inverness, will host
Hospice Nite on Tuesday, April
15 from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm in
memory of Rachel Channell
Dunn. 100% of the proceeds will
benefit programs of Hospice of
Citrus County. Hospice of Citrus
County Chief Executive Officer
Anthony Palumbo commented,
"We're extremely fortunate to
have businesses like
Stumpknockers who consistently
display their generosity for the
good of the community." Local
owners and Inverness natives,
Tim and John Channell and their
staff serve up a menu that
includes a wide variety of Florida
favorites like: catfish, frog legs,
sea scallops and Florida gator.
Come and join us and honor the
memory of Rachel Channell
Dunn.

Citrus Memorial Health
System will host a used book
sale to benefit Relay for Life on
Friday, April 11th. The sale will
be held from 10am to 6pm in
the Hospital's Cafeteria
Meeting Room. Donations to
the book sale are appreciated
and will be accepted in the
Outpatient Laboratory in the
Medical Office Building. Citrus
Memorial's Relay for Life team,
under the guidance of team
captain Bobbie Jack, has been
collecting money through raf-
fles, bake sales, and used
book sales in an effort to reach
their goal of $13,000 by April
18th.

Pope John Paul II Catholic
School is holding a Registration
Rally to be held on Thursday,
April 9th 6:30 pm at 4341 W
Homosassa Trail in Lecanto,
FL. Take your child's education
to a higher power next school
year. Pope John Paul II is a
well accredited school with
many awards and accolades,
including the school with the
most awards at the 2007 Citrus
County Science Fair, above
average standardized testing
scores, a nationally recognized
PTO and many more. At the
rally you will learn all about
PJPII's phenomenal curriculum
that focuses on each child's
MIND, BODY & SPIRIT! In
addition find out about our
extras: Technology, Music, Art,
PE, Spanish, Library Science,
extra-curricular activities, intra-
mural sports, and much, much
more. Tuition rates , as well as
the many assistance programs
that are available will also be
presented. The program is for
new and existing families.
Contact the school for more
information at (352)746-2020..

Seven Rivers Regional
Medical Center (SRRMC) is
proud to offer children in our
community the opportunity to
participate in the nationally syn-
dicated "Safe Sitter" program.
The hospital will hold the next
Safe-Sitter course for Children
age 11-13 on Saturday, April 26
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost
of the class is $30, and
includes an instruction manual
and Safe Sitter kit. Call Jennifer
at 352.795.8344 to register.

Big winner

Superior Bank in Beverly Hills would like to congratulate Lorraine Carrier from Lecanto who won the 42 inch flat screen
TV at their grand opening. Pictured with Dr. Patrick Carrier and Lorraine Carrier is Vickey Anderson, Branch Operations
Manager and Nancy Hautop, Branch Manager.

JIM SHIELDS/Special to the Chronicle
The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Tiffany's Wigs. Pictured front row: Chamber Ambassadors
Janet Mayo, Tammy LaValle and Rhonda Lestinsky, Donna Slusser - Owner, Ambassadors Jennifer Duca, James Segovia,
Chuck Morgan and John Porter. Pictured back row: Chamber Executive Director Kitty Barnes and Ambassador David Heinz.
Tiffany Wigs of Homosassa is excited to introduce the most versatile collection of wigs ever. Whether you have a hair condi-
tion such as alopecia, hair loss due to cancer, naturally thinning hair or just like to have a fun alternative to your own hair
Tiffany Wigs has what you need. With a large selection of hair styles available and friendly caring assistance you will be able
to find just the right look. They also have a private vanity area. Tiffany Wigs also carries a complete line of products to help
you keep your new look fresh, vibrant and lasting a long time. For more information Donna can be reached at (352) 621-4727
and is located in the Servos Square Plaza at 5460 S Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa.

Member NEWS

u m
The Red Eagle Lodge of West
Central Florida, Inc. in conjunction
with Citrus County Parks and
Recreation presents the 8th
Annual Red Eagle Lodge Pow-
Wow in Floral Park on April 11, 12,
& 13, 2008. On April the 11th is
Children's education day and
three local schools will present
forums on different aspects of
Native Education, Story Telling,
History, Music, Songs about life,
Crafts, Tools for trade and life,
Food is always the best part. April
11th is also Elders Day in the late
afternoon; we honor them
because they are our teachers in
life. On April 12th at 1:00 p.m. is
our Grand Entry where The Seven
Rivers Warrior Society will be our
Honor and Color Guard. On April
13th is the final day of our Pow-
wow, come out to enjoy the
music from the host Drum Group,
Native American Intertribal
dancers and singers with Story

telling, Native foods and Native
crafters/traders.
Please come out and enjoy our
Intertribal Pow-wow. For more
information you can call Pansey
Cleaveland at (352) 726-4380 or
John Porter at (352) 563-2817
MEN
Little Vines Daycare offers day-
care for toddlers (ages 1 & 2) and
preschool (ages 3,4,5), as well
as before and after school care in
a loving Christian environment.
Children who go to Inverness
Primary will be able to take a
school bus to and from Little
Vines Daycare. Location: 960
South US Highway 41 (Next to
Vineyard Church) Inverness, Fl.
34450. In order to meet the
needs of our community, we are
currently undergoing an expan-
sion and will be able to admit
more children shortly. We are
accepting applicants for our
increased capacity. We are
blessed to have Miss Twilla as
our Director who brings over fif-

teen years of experience in the
child care profession. Contact us
for more information: 352 726-
1480 Church Office or Little
Vines Daycare - 352 726-2875.
EuN
Stumpknockers on the Square,
in Inverness, will host Hospice
Nite on Tuesday, April 15 from
4:00 pm until 9:00 pm in memory
of Rachel Channell Dunn. 100%
of the proceeds will benefit pro-
grams of Hospice of Citrus
County. Hospice of Citrus County
Chief Executive Officer Anthony
Palumbo commented, "We're
extremely fortunate to have busi-
nesses like Stumpknockers who
consistently display their generosi-
ty for the good of the community."
Local owners and Inverness
natives, Tim and John Channell
and their staff serve up a menu
that includes a wide variety of
Florida favorites like: catfish, frog
legs, sea scallops and Florida
gator. Come and join us and
honor the memory of Rachel

Channell Dunn.
M.E
Pope John Paul II Catholic
School is holding a Registration
Rally to be held on Thursday, April
9th 6:30 pm at 4341 W
Homosassa Trail in Lecanto, FL.
Take your child's education to a
higher power next school year.
Pope John Paul II is a well
accredited school with many
awards and accolades, including
the school with the most awards
at the 2007 Citrus County
Science Fair, above average
standardized testing scores, a
nationally recognized PTO and
many more. At the rally you will
learn all about PJPII's phenome-
nal curriculum that focuses on
each child's MIND, BODY &
SPIRIT! In addition find out about
our extras: Technology, Music,
Art, PE, Spanish, Library Science,
extra-curricular activities, intra-
mural sports, and much, much
more. Tuition rates , as well as the
many assistance programs that

Markyour

calendars now!
* Wednesday, April 9 -
Board of Directors meeting
at 5:30 p.m. at CFCC.
* Thursday, April 10 -
Ambassador meeting at 8
a.m. at the Citrus County
Realtors Association.,
* Friday, April 11 -
Membership Luncheon at
11:45 a.m. at The Plantation
Golf Resort & Spa in
Crystal River. Guest
speaker is Crystal River City
Manager, Andy Houston.
Houston will give an update
on the City of Crystal River.
Cost is $18 per person with a
reservation. Reservations
are REQUIRED. Seating
without reservations is lim-
ited and available only after
those with reservations have
checked in. Cost for lunch
without a reservation is $20.
Please call 795-3149 or 726-
2801 to make your reserva-
tion by4 p.m. Wednesday.
U April 16 -
Membership Breakfast at
7:45 a.m. at Van Der Valk

Restaurant in Inverness.
Cost is $10 per person with
a reservation. Reservations
are REQUIRED. Seating
without reservations is lim-
ited and available only after
those with reservations have
checked in. Cost for break-
fast without a reservation is
$12. Please call 726-2801 or
795-3149 to make your reser-
vation by noon, Monday,
April 14.
* April 24 - Business
After Hours Mixer from 5 to
7 p.m. at The Plantation Golf
Resort & Spa in Crystal
River. Come out to a relaxed
atmosphere, network with
friends and business
acquaintances and check
out all the great new addi-
tions that Plantation has
done to their facility.
* April 30 - BWA meet-
ing at 8:00 a.m. at the Citrus
County Realtors
Association.

To find addresses for these
locations, visit our website
atCitrusCountyChamber.co
m and look at the
events calendar!

Member NEWS

Hemando-Pasco Hospice (HPH) in Citrus County recently hon-
ored and recognized the commitment of their 120 dedicated vol-
unteers at their first annual volunteer appreciation luncheon on
March 19, at Tuscany on the Meadow, Best Western's Citrus
Hills Lodge, in Citrus Hills.
Recognized by HPH for their outstanding service of volunteer
hours were Sandi Workman, 500 hours, Lois Thomas, 250
hours, Amy Thompson, 250 hours, and Audrey Brown, 250
hours.
Hernando-Pasco Hospice, a non-profit agency initially
licensed in 1984, provides care, comfort, and support to more
than 1,000 individuals affected by a life-limiting illness on an
average daily basis in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties.
For more information on how you can make a difference by
becoming an HPH volunteer, call Debi Shields, Volunteer
Coordinator, at (352) 527-4600.

The Tenth Annual SCORE Golf Classic will be Monday at
Sugarmill Woods Country Club in Sugarmill Woods. SCORE is a vol-
unteer organization that provides free counseling to new and exist-
ing businesses in Citrus County. Thanks to the support of so many
of you golfers and non-golfers alike, our past tournaments have
been very successful. As in previous years we are looking for spon-
sors, players and donors for giveaway prizes. For only $100 you
can become a hole or tee sponsor with your name prominently dis-
played on placards at greens or tees. In addition, you will receive
greens fees for a foursome for a free round of golf for your future
personal or business use during 2008 at Sugarmill Woods Country
Club. Sponsors will also be recognized in an appreciation
announcement in the tournament program and published in the
Citrus County Chronicle. Hole or tee sponsors that bring a foursome
to this event will also receive a $40 discount on the tournament
greens fees in addition to the greens fees for a future foursome. The
individual player fee is $60 and includes greens fees, golf cart, lunch,
beverages and prize opportunities. If you are not part of a foursome,
we will assign one to you. There are prizes for each of three flights,
hole-in-one contest, putting contest, chipping contest, and other prize
opportunities. For additional information contact Craig Gifford at (352)
382-9034.

BANK
of Floridact
Come Experience The Way Banking Should Be

Celebrating Our New Office!
Inverness Office of A OurA ,bout
Orange Bank of Florida w &Savings Products
~ Register to Win* a $500 Visa Gift Card ~ -
*No purchase necessary and no fee charged. Drawing 4/15/08. Offer not valid for employees of
Orange Bank of Florida and their families. Winner wll be notified by U.S. mall. Must be 18 years
old to enter. Residents of Florida are entitled to participate.
1101 NE 5th St. (Hwy. 44) 1777 W. Main St.
Crystal River Inverness
(352) 563-1645 (352) 560-0090
Member FDIC
'Annual Percentage Yield "APY" Is available and accurate as of the date of publication
1-1 Subject to change without notice. Minimum opening deposit and minimum balance to
'a earn the APY is $1,000. Penalties of early CD withdrawal may apply. ,

GET THE WORD OUT
* Nronproit ,rgaanizatiorin. are invited to submit news releases about ,ur-,:ulrning cclnimu.
nity 'eernts.
* Include a contact name and phone number to be printed in the paper
* News releases are subject to editing
* Call 563-5660 for details.

Enjoy a Family Walk
See Dance & Exercise Demonstrations
Make A Healthy Snack
Obtain YMCA Information
Prizes and Giveaways including a free
YMCA Healthy Family Home Kit with tips on
improving your family health to the first 250
participants.
We build strong kids, strong families,
strong communities.

Funds released
for research
Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite
recently announced that
$206,496 has been released by
the U.S. Department of
Agriculture to the University of
Florida for their shellfish aqua-
culture research program. The
UF program works in conjunc-
tion with the Cedar Key
Aquaculture Association in
examining the use of clam
hybridization for genetic
improvement and increased pro-
duction.
The research project is cur-
rently ongoing, and Brown-Waite
will continue her efforts to
secure funding for the research.
Chronicle wins 20
awards at contest
The Citrus County Chronicle
Editorial Department won a total
of 20 awards Friday during the
annual Landmark Community
Newspaper 2007 Editorial
Awards contest.
The Chronicle competes in
the daily division, which also
includes the Carroll County
Times, Las Vegas Optic, Los
Alamos Monitor and News-
Enterprise in Elizabethtown, Ky.
The Chronicle Community
Affairs team won Best Special
Section for its Discover maga-
zine.
Individual awards went to:
* Editor Charlie Brennan,

wa s a Pil td
P Tnhe t Pat Tho
the 'm th

Cikptj�4 .&AA.. q~m~I

RUSH
S For more information to advertise
all 563-5592 or Kathy @ 563-3209

who won a first for column writ-
ing and a second for editorial
writing;
* Reporter Cristy Loftis, who
won a first for ongoing/extended
series coverage and a third for
news writing;
* Reporter Jim Hunter, who
won a first for editorial writing;
* Photographer Matthew
Beck, who won a first, second
and third for news photography;
N Photographer Brian
LaPeter, who won a first and
third for sports photography and
a second for feature photogra-
phy;
* Copy Editor Jeff Bryan, who
won a first for general page
design and an honorable men-
tion for front-page design;
* Sports Editor John Coscia,
Sportswriter Alan Festo and
Sportswriter Jon-Michael
Soracchi, who won a third place
for news/feature series;
* Coscia also won a third for
general page design, and a third
place for sports writing;
* Reporter Mike Wright, who
won a second place for news
writing;
* Reporter Keri Lynn McHale,
who won a second place for fea-
ture writing; and
* Copy Desk Chief Cheryl
Jacob, who won a third place for
feature writing.
The Virginia Pilot judged the
contest.
- From staff reports

Special to the Chronicle
Citrus Memorial Health System would like to recognize its women and children's unit for the highest Increases in patient
satisfaction scores for March. Patient satisfaction scores are based on surveys mailed out to patients after a hospital
stay and give patients an opportunity to provide vital feedback that is used to Improve services. From left are: Margie
Leturno, Director of the Women and Children's Unit; Michelle Billings, R.N.; Sandy Dunlap, L.P.N.; Karyn Black, R.N.;
and Tami Roderick.

PRESCRIPTION EYE
GLASSES IN AQUA
COLOR CASE,
JILL STUART
FOUND ON GROVER
CLEVELAND BLVD
LAST WEEK OF
MARCH
(352) 628-7161

AnnouncementsI

Humane Society
of Inverness
Is Offering their
larger dogs free to
good homes. All
Spayed/neutered,
current on shots.
We have Lab mixes,
Hound Mixes, Fox-
hounds, and a Rottl
Mis, We have a lot
of really nice larger
dogs, please give
them a second
chance at life.
Call (352) 344-5207
to schedule an
appointment.

Come see
our
adorable cats and
kittens that are
available for
adoption.
We are open 8:00 A
M till 4:00 P M
Monday-Friday.
Week-end and
evenings by
appointment.
All Cats and Kittens
are altered, tested
for
Feline Luk and Aids.
Up to date on vac-
cines for age
appropriate.
Phone 352-563-2370
Visit us at
ww.hofsgha.ora.
or stop by our
offices
at 1149 N Conant
Ave. Corner of 44
and Conant.
Look for the big
white.
building with the
bright paw prints.

Must have strong
understanding of
computer & net-
work operations
Maintain & solve
Issues related to
servers &
workstations. Able
to provide support
to multi users. Must
have 3 yrs exp.
Email Resume to
, darefblack

Respiratory Therapists - Full Tlime and PRN
NEW! Clinical Ladder for Full Time
Nequwie current FL licensure as a Respiraior) Therapist at the technical (TI) or therapist (RT)
le I.oni yeavr clinral and critical Experience, and National Board of Respiratory Care CRTor
RRL, NRP and BLS required.

Com oin us i n in 'emrn s, our en111ic town on flonda's Natur. Coast, lust north of the
Tampa BIr area. If you're looking for a friendly workplace %,here people truly care, make
iourit If at home here.
(C. HS offers a compentame ,aary, a generous

BATHFITTER
"One Day Bath Remodeling"
In Just One Day,
We will Install A Beautiful New Bathtub
or Shower "Right Over"Your Old One!!!
Tub to Shower Conversions Too!!!
Call now for a FREE
In-Home Estimate

SALES
PROFESSIONALS
Do you want a full
benefits package?
Paid Training...
not just Another
Sales Job.
I am hiring 6 people
this week to work In
Citrus County, who
are willing to serve
families with funeral
and Cemetery
Prearrangements.
I'am looking for
Honest. Sincere,
self-motivated,
individuals who are
willing to treat
every family with
professionalism.
If you have these
qualifications;
I would very much
enjoy talking with
you and explain
the benefits our
company has to
offer.
Interviewing on
April 7,2008.
Apply In Person
Monday @10:30 am
Fero Funeral Home
Chapel 5955 N
Lecanto Hwy
Beverly Hills, FL
34465
John F. Johnson
Mail No Resumes
Please, I hire
people not paper

We Are Currently
TakIng Applications
For A
Sales
Representatives
& Online
Bookkeeper
The applicant should
have a broad knowl-
edge of computer
operating and must
be 18yrs and above.
Send Resume to:
starpontloboffer
damal.com -
3/2 $199/mo
HUD Home
5% down 20yrs at
8%apr. For listings call
800-366-9783 Ext 5704

917-0425 DAILY CRN
Citrus County
Fleet Management
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Citrus County Board
of County Commissioners
will be selling surplus
property and equipment
via the Internet at
govdeals.com from
March 25 to April 25. 2008.
Published seven (7) days
consecutively In the Citrus
County Chronicle March
25 thru April 25, 2008.

385-0406 SUCRN
4/9 meeting Academy of Environmental Science
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Directors for the Academy of Environ-
mental Science will hold a regular monthly meeting at
2:30 pm on Wednesday, April 9,2008 at the Academy
of Environmental Science, a Charter School sponsored
by the Citrus County School District, located at 12695
West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, Florida. The purpose
of the meeting Is to discuss and act upon any business
that needs to come before the Board of Directors. A
copy of the Agenda Is available for public review at
the Academy office.
If any person decides to appeal a decision made by
the Board of Directors with respect to any matter con-
sidered atthis meeting, that person may need to Insure
that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made,
which record should include testimony and evidence
upon which that person's appeal is based.
Steve Farnsworth
Chair, Board of Directors
Academy of Environmental Science, Inc
Published one (1) time In the Citrus County Chronicle,
on April 6,2008.

383-0406 SUCRN
(RFQ 072-08) Citrus County OMB
PUBLIC NOTICE
REQUEST FOR QUAUFICATIONS
R6 072-08
CRIMINAL JUSTICE MENTAL HEALTH AND
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
REINVESTMENT GRANT SERVICES
Citrus County Board of County Commissioners Invites
interested parties to submit a Proposal for "Strategic
Plan Developer" services consultant, who will research
and Identify strategies to preserve and enhance Citrus
County's mental health and substance abuse systems
to ensure long-term support and the availability of re-
sources. .
To obtain additional Information concerning this an-
nouncement, please visit the Citrus County Website at.
www.bocc.cHrus.fl.us, and select the second link on
the left for "Bids", or call Citrus County/Purchasing (352)
527-5457.
Submittals are to be made to Pamela L Paulk Office of
Management & Budget, 3600 West Sovereign Path,
Suite 266. Lecanto, FL 34461 by 2:00 PM on April 30.
2008 and the Public Opening Is scheduled for 2:05 PM
on the same date and location.
Anyone requiring reasonable accommodations at this
meeting because of a disability or physical Impairment
should contact the Office of Management & Budget
at (352) 527-5457 at least two days before the Public
Opening. If you are hearing or speech Impaired, use
the TDD telephone (352) 527-5312.

CITRUS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Joyce Valentino, Chairwoman
Published one (1) time In the Citrus County Chronicle,
April 6,2008.

384-0406 SUCRN
4/10 meeting Citrus County Aviation Advisory
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CITRUS COUNTY
AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD will meet at 3-00 p.m. on
Thursday, April 10, 2008 In Room 166 of the Lecanto
Goyemment Center, 3600 W. Sovereign Path; Leconto,
FL 34461.
Any person desiring further Information regarding this
meeting may contact the Engineering DviMsion. 3600 W.
Sovereign Path, Suite 241, Lecanto, FL 34461, or call
(352) 527-5446.
JOYCE VALENTINO, CHAIRWOMAN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA
NO11CE TO THE PUBIUC: Any person who decides to ap-
peal any decision of the Governing body with respect
to any matter considered at this meeting will need a
record of the proceedings and for such purpose may
need to provide that a verbatim record of the pro-
ceeding Is made, which record Includes testimony and
evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
(Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes).
Any person requiring reasonable accommodation at
this meeting because of a disability or physical Impair-
ment should contact the Engineering Division, 3600 W.
Sovereign Path, Suite 241, Lecanto, FL 34461, or call
(352) 527-5446. at least two days before the meeting.
itf you are hearing or speech impaired, use the TDD tel-
ephone (352) 527-5312.
Published one (1) time in the Citrus County Chronicle.
on April 6, 2008.

380-0406 SUCRN
2008-CP-203 Gloria Julia Parkent Estate
Notice to Creditors
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
File No. 2008-CP-203
DMivision
IN RE ESTATE OF
GLORIA JULIA PARENT
Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of GLORIA JULIA
PARKENT, deceased, Florida Number 2008-CP203, Is
pending In the Circuit Court, Citrus County. Florida. Pro-
bate Division, the address of which Is: CITRUS COUNTY
COURTHOUSE, 110 North Apopka Avenue. Inverness, FL
34450. The estate Is testate. The names and addresses
of the Personal Representative and the Personal
Representative's attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons hav-
Ing claims or demands against decedent's estate, In-
cluding unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated claims,
on whom a copy of this notice Is served must file their
claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE
MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF
THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERV-
ICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO
FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The date of the first publication of this Notice is March
30. 2008.
Personal Representative:
ROBERT J. PARENT
5351 So. James Terrace
Homosassa, Fl 34448
Attorney for Personal Representative:
Robert E. Wharrie, Esquire SPN: 772794
Florida Bar No. 255432
5503 38th Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Telephone (727) 346-9555 FAX (727) 346-0013
Published two (2) times In the Citrus County Chroni-
cle, March 30 and April 6,2008.

923-0408 SU/M/TUCRN
(Bld#2008-74) CITRUS COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
PUBLIC NOTICE
The CIshs County School Board will accept sealed bids
for:
BIDE 2008-74 GYM FLOOR REPLACEMENT-
CRYSTAL RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRE-BID MEETING/IUESDAY. APRIL 15.2008 & 10:00 A.M.
AT CRYSTAL RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Speclticatlons may be obtained on the CCSB
VendorBId website; Automated Vendor Application &
Bidder Notification System'" www.vendotid'tl clt-
r/a
Sandra "Sam' Himmel
Superintendent, Citrus County School Board
Published three (3) times In the Citrus County Chronicle
April 6,7 and 8, 2008.

1OD sUNDwAPRu6 2008

YOU NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY
WHAT YOUR CAR IS WORTH,
NO MATTER WHERE YOU PLAN TO BUY!
CALL THE
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05 CAMRY

24HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE WITH INFO --
AND SPECIAL PRICING ON THIS VEHICLE
800-.8-1415, EXT, 4733

I 0,999

2007 TAURUS 2007 GRANDMARQUIS

S FREELY R
24 HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE WITH INFO 24 HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE WITH INFO
AND SPECIAL PRICING ON THIS VEHICLE AND SPECIAL PRICING ON THIS VEHICLE
' 800-35-1415, EXT. 115 5 800.32-5.415, EXT. 3291 .
$8 999 $13999

2007 GRAND PRIX 2007 MUSTANG

A tFRIU - FRE
2-7: 24 HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE WITH INFO " 24 HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE WITH INFO
AND SPECIAL PRICING ON THIS VEHICLE -- AND SPECIAL PRICING ON THIS VEHICLE
800-32.81416, EXT. 4810 800.. / 141, T.4097

YOU WILL LOVE THIS EXQUISITE
HOME that sits in the Peaceful
neighborhood of Pine Ridge. The
Features include 2 bedroom, 2.5
baths, 2 car garage, offie/den,
beautiful fireplace, screened in pool,
San RV hookup, It's just a
must see I Priced to Selll!
#321701.
CALL JACQUE MEADOWS
(352) 220-8052

N9 R__ -(~ "

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY to own
a 2 bed, 2 bath cul-de-sac home in the
desirable Crystal Oaks subdivision. You
can't help but smile while living in this light
& bright floor plan. The optional Home
Owners Association offers a community
pool, billiards, shuffleboard and tennis. RV
parking is also available for a
Slow yearly fee. Call today
before it's too late. #322798.
S CALL JOHN P. MAISEL III
\. (3 2) 302-5351
a www.faMLSonllne.com

Special to the Chronicle
Citrus County's Division-of
Housing Services and
Extension Services are offer-
ing First Time Homebuyers
classes to interested individu-
als. Two classroom sessions are
scheduled at the Lecanto
Government Building at 3600
W Sovereign Path, Lecanto, in
Room 280.
There is no charge for these
classes. Those individuals

attending both sessions will
receive a Certificate of
Completion. Any person who
requires a special accommoda-
tion (ADA) for a disability must
call 72 hours in advance.
Session one will be from 5:30
to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 10,
and will cover introduction to
SHIP, credit, family budget,
pros and cons to building and
buying existing, applying and
qualifying for a mortgage, and
finding a real estate agent and

the contract signing.
Session two will be from 5:30
to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 17,
and will cover home security,
home maintenance, fair hous-
ing, homeowners insurance,
energy conservation, landscap-
ing, termite prevention and
homestead exemption.
Other presenters will be:
Citrus County Cooperative
Extension Service, Citrus
County Department of Public
Safety, Citrus County Fire

Rescue, Community Legal
Services, Annemarie Hooper
of Crystal Realty and Barbara
Vargo with SunTrust Mortgage.
For more information or to
reserve a seat, call Pat in the
Citrus County Division of
Housing Services at 527-5386.
Limited seating space avail-
able. Only those preregistered
will be allowed to attend class-
es. If you plan to attend you
should call immediately to
reserve your chair.

SO YOU KNOW
* News notes tend to run
one week prior to the
date of an event. Submit
information at least two
weeks before the event.
Early submission of time
ly material is appreciate.
ed, but multiple public.
tions cannot be guaran-
teed.
* Submit material at
Chronicle offices in Inver.
ness or Crystal River; by
fax at 563-3280; or by
e-mail to newsdesk@
chronicleonline.com.

One Iea

- t ABA I .
rfnRT

TO'IA

11'1111

- fn-- -�n-a- in- -inf-*^�

I IAt S U

iIInLi _.L

ak, one week.

One small leak can waste 75 gallons of
water a week. That's your money going
down the drain.
These easy steps will reduce your use:
Check faucets, sprinklers and spigots
for leaks
4 Make sure you're irrigating the plants,
not the sidewalk or street
4 Irrigate only during permitted days and
times, and only if your landscape
needs it
For more tips to
reduce your water use, visit
WATERMATTERS.ORG
Southwest Florida
I- \V~iater Ilanaoenent District

To have your news in the Chronicle's HomeFront section, you may mail, fax or e-mail the
information to the Chronicle, 1624 North Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429. The
newsroom fax number is 563-3280 and e-mail is newsdesk@chronicleonline.com.
You may also drop off your information at the Meadowcrest office or the newspaper's
Inverness office at 106 W. Main Street.
When submitting information, please make sure it is printed or typed, is concise and includes a
contact telephone number.
If you have any questions or comments, contact the section editor, Mike Arnold, at 563-5660
(email - newsdesk@chronicleonline.com).
HOW TO GET YOUR PHOTOS INTO THE PAPER:
- We accept color and black and white photos. We also accept negatives. We do nor accept Polaroid prints.
- All photos need to cropped tightly. That means no wasted space in your photo.
- Photos need to be in sharp focus. We do not accept photos that arc out of focus.
- Be sure that photos or negatives you submit are taken using 35 niu film. Others will not be accepted.
- Please include your address and phone number on any photos or negatives submitted.
- Phots or negatives submitted will be returned if supplied with a return envelope and postage.
- When identifying persons in your photo, please do so from left to right, front to back.
- For more information, please contact Matt Beck, photo ream leader, at 563-5660.

Family talks about

managing money

The way we manage money
not only affects our ability
to pay for needs and wants,
but it can also impact our family
relationships. Over half of mar-
ried couples in the
United States argue
about money, accord-
ing to marriage
experts. Open commu-
nication is important
so that all family mem-
bers understand the . '
family's financial situa- .,:,,
tion and can agree on a
spending plan. Without Monica
good communication, Monca
even the best spending CONS
plan will fail. Another SCIe
value to family discus-
sions about money is that chil-
dren learn how to make financial
decisions through their involve-
ment
Each of us has a set of values
that determines what is impor-
tant to us. Our values and atti-
tudes affect how we spend and
save money. To avoid conflict
when the values of family mem-

E1

bers differ, try to find common
goals that you can agree on.
During family financial talks,
remember these guidelines:
* Always be honest about your
money situation
* Expect differences
in values and goals.
SRealize that con-
flicts may arise, but you
can manage conflict
effectively if you
respect each other's
differences as you
work toward agree-
ment.
Bonsett N Allow each family
UMER member to express
NCE their wants, needs,
feelings, and thoughts.
* Use "I-messages" such as "I
feel ..." or "I think ..." instead of
"you-messages" like "You never
... or"You always..."
* Practice active listening, in
which you repeat back to the per-
son what you think they are say-
ing.

Dear John: Enclosed are
photos of two platters,
one luncheon plate,
one gravy boat, one soup
tureen, one teapot, and one
item I was told years ago is a
shaving mug. These are the
only pieces I own.
The photos show
the china in a

off-white which
they really are.
My maternal
grandmother came
to America from
Barr, Alsace,
France, in 1893. She John S
brought an entire SIKOF
set of this china on
the boat with her. I AT
thought it was at
least 12 if not 24 place settings
and serving pieces. This grand-
mother had been dating a fel-
low with the last name Verdier.
However, grandma wanted to
move to America and her
boyfriend would not budge. So
she married his brother,
Charles Verdier, who did move
to America. Quite some spunk

i

for those days! My mother, her
daughter, was also pretty
spunky. As a little girl I recall
my mother and her sister hav-
ing lots of disagreements about
the disposition of the Alsatian
china; however, I do not know
where the bulk of
the dishes ended
up. My brother has a
few pieces; my two
"- l cousins have none.
* a, I would love to
have your com-
Sments on this china
and see the story in
the Chronicle. My
korski brother in Seattle
SKI'S would be thrilled to
read about it; my
IC teacher daughter in
Tallahassee would
also be thrilled. They are both
guardians of the past
Thank you so much for your
consideration. - C.P., Dun-
nellon
Dear C.P.: What an interest-
ing family storyline. You have
some nicely decorated transfer
printed china. Sarreguemines
is the name of a French town

This china comes from the town of Sarreguemines in Lorraine, France. Potential prices for each indi-
vidual piece range from $100 or more for the tureen to less than $50 for some of the other pieces.

that is used as part of the mark
on your china. The letters "U &
Cie" are for Utzschneider and
Company. M. Fabray and Paul
Utzschneider started the facto-
ry in Sarreguemines, Lorraine,
France, circa 1770. The compa-
ny continues currently and is
considered one of the more
important French companies.
It is known and collected
under the "name Sarre-

guemines.
One of the popular patterns
produced shows peasants in
local costumes like the pieces
you have. They also produced a
wide variety of character mugs,
figural pieces, decorative
vases, and large architectural
pieces for commercial build-
ings. Current potential dollar
values are $100-plus for the
tureen, $50-plus for the teapot;

the other pieces are in the $50
range and below. For some
interesting information, check
the Web site www.sarregue
mines - mus e:u m. com
/old/E_pages/E_deux.html
Dear John: As you may
recall, I called into the radio
show aboutfthe Western Union
ceremonial device. I have had

We purchased a new
* home with a built-in
9 pool. Do you have
safety tips?
Ak There are a couple easy
home improvements to ensure
pool safety. First, get an orna-
mental iron fence with a lock-
ing gate that surrounds the
entire pool. You can also have
an alarm put on the gate itself,
or a sensor alarm that can
alert you when there is move-
ment inside the pool.
Then, get a pool cover. You
will need more than one of the
soft plastic solar covers, which
are designed only to trap heat
and not to keep people or ani-
mals from falling in. A good
pool cover will attach at vari-
ous locations on the deck and
cover the entire pool.

Real Estate DIGEST ,

Mills joins year's
million dollar club
Realtor Barbara Mills has once
again qualified
for the Million
Dollar Club. In
just three short
months and in a
challenging real
estate market,
Mills has accom- ,
polished this -
impressive level Barbara
of sales volume. Mills
A veteran agent RE/MAX
in Citrus County, Realty One.
she has a long
history of success. She continues
to be very involved with the com-
munity and many charitable organi-
zations. Most notable is her leader-
ship role in supporting our military
personnel.
The associates and staff of
RE/MAX Realty One would like to
congratulate Barbara Mills on her
success.
Keller Williams
spotlights top agents
What is a Culture Icon? Culture
Icon is someone that makes deci-
sions that are right for the market
center regardless of individual
impact. Doing something right with-
out wanting to be recognized or
acknowledged for it. Being part of

Darrell
Fields
Keller Williams
Realty.
the solution and
not part of the
problem. Keller
Williams Realty
of Citrus County,
announces that
the Culture Icon
for April is John
Holloway. He
can be reached
at (352) 860-
0900.

John
Holloway
Keller Williams
Realty.

D et 'ie
Fields
Keller Williams
Realty.

SELLING
YOUR HOME?
Perhaps it's time
for a change?
NOW YOU HAVE
A CHOICE-
A BETTER CHOICE!

LECANTO - $97,900
REDUCED $10,0001 Come take a look at
this 3/2 home. Home has 1880 sq. ft. of
living space. Separate Ig. LR & DR, a den
that could be a possible 4th BR, a Ig.
bonus room & a screen porch w/carport.
Home also has a det. garage, sits on 1/2
acre (approx.). This home is a must see!! A
drive by Is no good, home is much larger
than it appears and must be seen to
appreciate. MLS#323101

Debbie Rector's Team
Keller Williams Realty.
Keller Williams also announces
that Debbie and Darrell Fields
have closed over $1 million in vol-
ume in 2008. You can reach them at
(352) 637-1500.
Debbie Rector's Team has
closed more than $1.1 Million in
business in March. This production
for only one month is more than
the average Realtor closes in an
.entire year.
Rector attributes her team's suc-
cess to cutting-edge marketing,
strong customer service standards

and their great
clients. Rector's
team can be
reached at (352)
726-7157.
Keller Williams
is also pleased to
welcome C.J.
McNeil to our CJ.
team. Before McNeil
entering into her Keller Williams
new career in Realty.
real estate, she
owned her own business for more
than 10 years.
McNeil is devoted to making
sure real estate transactions are
stress free. She feels she can
accomplish this by guiding her cus-
tomers every step of the way and
by keeping in constant contact with
them through each phase.
You can reach her at (352) 697-
0398.

SYOU ARE INVITED!!q

YOU'LL BE TO A SUGARMILL WOODS
SURPRISED AT THE 2007
QUALITY INSIDE! GOLF COURSE HOME

LECANTO DUPLEX - $169,900
This is an investors dream. Lecanto duplex
unit, each side has approx. 1100 sq. ft. of
living area. Units are 2 bedroom, 2 bath, they
come equipped with range, refrigerator,
dishwasher and each has laundry hookups.
Both units are full and rental rates are $565
oer unit. Make an offer! MLS#324747

BEVERLY HILLS - $65,000
REDUCED!! Come take a look
at this 1 bedroom, 1 bath home located
in Beverly Hills. Home is convenient to all
local amenities such as shopping, dining,
banking etc. This is a perfect property for
first time homebuyers, winter residents or
investors. MLS#'s 313705. 323549

the device since 1989, and my
father obtained it in the early
'80s. My father worked for
Western Union in upper man-
agement, and when they were
transitioning from a telegram
company to a wire funds trans-
fer company, it was my father's
unfortunate task to travel the
country overseeing the dis-
mantling and closure of the
telegraph offices.
This piece was obtained in
the Southwest U.S., if I recall,
in a small desert town outside
of Reno somewhere. My father
found it stored in a locker
there. It is reported that this
device was used at ribbon-cut-
ting ceremonies of bridges,
railways etc. A dignitary at a
remote location such as a gov-
ernor, the President, etc., could
depress a telegraph key, send-
ing a signal to this device,
deploying the ribbon cutting
mechanism and simultaneous-

ly flashing a flash bulb screwed
into the device. Any help as to
the value is greatly appreciat-
ed. - D.C., Internet
Dear D.C.: The item you have
is likely rather scarce, being
used only for the job you
describe. This negatively
affects collector interest and
potential dollar value. The
closest category to what you
own is telegraph collectors and
there seems to be very little
interest among that group.
If your device had been used
at a notable occasion by a
known dignitary, the potential
dollar value would be consid-
erable.
Without such provenance, I
think you would be lucky to get
$200 for the device, short of
good luck. Perhaps one of our
readers will have some infor-
mation about your Western
Union device.
Dear John: I have a couple of
older Cannon towels gift sets.
They are still in the original
boxes and have never been
used.
They contain decorated

matching towel sets with a
porcelain vase; one has the
decorated towels along with
two porcelain figures, a man
and woman dressed in
Victorian style. One of them
reads "Lady Esses Creation,"
the other says "Styled by Joyce
Morris." They are called deco-
rative gift ensembles. Are you
familiar with them? Do they
have any value? - H.B.,
Internet
Dear H.B.: There is no spe-
cific collector interest in your
gift sets currently. Potential
dollar value is catch-as-catch-
can.

John Sikorski has been
a professional in the antiques
business for more than
20 years. He hosts a call-in
radio show, Sikorski's Attic,
on WJUF (90.1 FM) Saturdays
from 11 a.m. until noon.
Send questions to Sikorski's
Attic, c/o The Citrus County
Chronicle, 1624 N.
Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal
River FL 34429.

Special to the Chronicle
This telegraph device was designed to allow a dignitary or impor-
tant official to conduct a ribbon-cutting from a remote location. It
might fetch $200 from collectors, though if it could be shown to
have been used by a notable person, its value would be greatly
enhanced.

ONE-OF-A-KIND 3/2/2 with
2 and 1/2 lots, seawall, boat docks,
carports & with storage building.
Could buy one lot separate for
$350,000, but the package is
$799,900 only. 1 and 1/2 lots
from main Crystal River. In
Woodland Estates. Large sail boat
area. MLS#324892

SUGARMILL WOODS VILLA
with two (2) lots, security
system. Some furniture comes
with unit is vacant with one car
garage and more room to park.
MLS#322920.

Home: 628-4222

GREAT 3/2/2.5 with cut in
boat slip, boat lifts, regular dock,
float dock, fish cleaning station,
new everything from A C to roof
in Homosassa River. Just off
main river, has separate shop/
garage. Could buy furnished and
seller says "SELL." This is
MLS#310774

*. . r

THIS WATERFRONT VILLA
the Islands Condos in great
shape. 2/2 with 1,600 sq. ft. of
living area. Also has boat lift,
nice patio, great master bedroom
with great view down canal. All
for $224,500. MLS#318708

S w hn Sara and JacM fowu n out ow wer e
expecting twi ns, their small home
b - began t� o feel a lt smaller"
S* gi Because their new TRADITIONS Home from
SHoliday Builders was so roomy and affordable,
0-601M. Ilh ."Noft - m S *

expecting twins, their small home
began to feel a lot smaller.
Because their new TRADITIONSIm Home from
Holiday Builders was so roomy and affordable,
they now have twins, a cat,
a dog, a hamster and two birds.

$124,900
Great 2,;2/2 move right into this
fully furnished, maintenance
free villa. Well maintained on
one of the largest lots giving it
a great backyard. Glassed in
lanai for extra space.
Membership Available.
352-746-0744 315844

FABULOUS PINE RIDGE POOL HOME
This 2006 built Rusaw "Southampton" model
with over $60,000 worth of upgrades/add-ons
is sure to please even the most discriminating
buyers. This 4 BR (or 3+office), 3 bath home
has over 2700 sf of elegant living including a
luxurious master suite, gorgeous self-cleaning
. i .. . pool, separate living room, family room, and
S dining room, central vacuum, built-in surround
sound, and so much more. All furnishings are
available for purchase at an additional price.
- This home is a must see!! MLS #321496
$383,000.

RLY HILLS. ver -m.r) ,,lamiIned .
home in move-in condition. This 2 BEDROOM MOBILE ON
must be seen to be appreciated. CANAL - .71 Acres with boat
on a corner lot, this home has a dock on canal to Inverness chain
fenced yard, nice trees, 7 yr. old of lakes. Split-plan older mobile
upgraded electric service, an of takes Split-plan older mobile
d porch w/tinted windows, and a but in good condition with shed
d porch as. All furnishings and newer appliances. Lots of
ble! $79,900 wildlife! $79,900 MLS #320825

.., |.- ,- . r 8364 N. POCONO DRIVE,
CITRUS SPRINGS
1545W. PRINGLE PLACE Four bedroom home, built in 2005 has
CITRUS SPBINGS a great window enclosed 20 X 15 Florida
Built In 2005, this 3BR, 2/5BA is set on a room. Laminated wood flooring & carpeting
corner lot. Large family room, formal throughout. For the gourmet cook. the
dining room and eat-in area adjacent to kitchen has two sinks, an Island and two large
the open kitchen. Appliances indud t pantries. There s an open family room
the open kitchen. Appliances include W/D, and hey, there's also a formal dining room
microwave and fans throughout. Split floor and living room. Oh yes...there's a jacuzzl
plan with master suite. Move-in ready. too. FHA/VA/ Conv. Home Owner
MLS# 323286 Warranty. Call today! MLS#324536

Children learn about money
in two ways: by watching their
parents and by hands-on prac-
tice managing money. Parents
who are good money managers
set a good example: for their
children. By participating in
regular family budget discus-
sions, children will learn about
the family's income and
expenses and the need to make
choices.
To teach children how to be
responsible with money, it's
important to start early Some
tips for young kids are to:
* Allow preschoolers to
choose which item to purchase
among three store items.
* Let the child hand the
sales clerk the money.
* Permit them to learn from
mistakes. If your child is disap-
pointed by his or her choice, do
not give more money
* Explain to the child how
jobs and money work together
to meet family needs and
wants.
* Give your child small
chores to do, without pay. (As a
family member, the child
shares the workload.)
Pre-teens can learn by:
* Participating in family
spending by writing out checks
or addressing envelopes.
* Assisting with family shop-
ping.
* Receiving an allowance
based on their needs.
* Not receiving pay for good
grades,: the performance of
chores, or good behavior
With teenagers, the
allowance should:
* Cover actual needs with
some left over to spend or save
as the teen wishes.
* Be a fixed amount of
money received at regular
intervals. Don't give in to
requests for money between
"pay" periods.
* Not be used as a reward or
punishment; otherwise money
will be seen as a weapon.
If you would like more infor-
mation on financial manage-
ment, call Monica Bonsett at
(352) 527-5713.
Finance classes
There's an upcoming class
for adults related to money
management starting on May
15, 2008. There will be four
two-hour, sessions held in the
evening. This class will meet
May 15, May 22, May 29, and,

June 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Cost of the class is $15 per per-
son. Class is limited to 30. Pre-
registration is required.
I'm partnering again with
Consumer Credit Counseling of
Mid-Florida Inc. to offer
Reality Check Money Camp to
teach teens (14 to 18 year olds)
basic money management con-
cepts, such as banking, budget-
ing, and credit, to prepare
them for the real world. This

day camp will be held June 16
to 20.
Participants will learn
through hands-on experiences,
field trips, and PowerPoint
presentations. Camp is limited
to 20 teens. Cost is $30 per teen.
There are a limited number of
scholarships available, thanks
to an anonymous donor. Pre-
registration is required; call
the extension office at (352)
527-5700 for more information

on these programs. Citrus
County Extension links the
public with the University of
Florida/IFAS' knowledge,
research, and resources to
address youth, family, commu-
nity, and agricultural needs. All
programs and related activities
sponsored for, or assisted by,
the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences are open
to all persons with non-dis-
crimination with respect to

STEP OUT
I YOUR BACK DOOR End
TO PLAY GOLF!
2/2 with lots of room
$800 a month

ON THE CANAL
2/1 great view
$700 a month

4450 (352) 726-9010

SIT BY THE P
2/2.5 villa, nice

HOME IN T
HIGHLAND
2/1 new floo
$650 a m

OOL!
area
anth

HE
S
rs
3nth

N Real Estate
0. For Sale

PUBLISHER'S
NOTICE:
All real estate
advertising in this
newspaper Is subject
to Fair Housing Act'
* ' which makes it illegal
to advertise "any
preference, limita-
tion or discrimination
based on race, color,
religion, sex, handi-
cap, familial status or
national origin, or an
intention, to make
such preference, limi-
tation or discrimina-
tion." Familial status
includes children un-
der the age of 18
living with. parents or
legal custodians,
pregnant women
and people securing
custody of children
under 18.
This newspaper will
not knowingly ac-
cept any advertising
for
real estate which is in
violation of the law.
Our readers are
hereby informed that
all dwellings
advertised in this
newspaper are avail-
able on an equal
opportunity basis.
To complain of
discrimination call
HUD toll-free at
1-800-669-9777. The
toll-free telephone
number for the
hearing impaired is
1-800-927-9275.

ownership. A/C and electrical new in '04, newer roof, currently being used as a workshop with office in t
updated kitchen and bath. Nothing to do but move in! rear. Roof redone in 2002 and A/C outside ur
This home is well worth your time to see it! replaced in 2000. Plenty of room for a pool in th
$89,900 almost 1 acre property. $09,900

Spring migration is in
full swing by the end of
March. Resident
Eastern bluebirds, tufted tit- : .
mice and Carolina chick-
adees are raising nestlings in
tens of thousands of nest
boxes installed around the tri-
county area. As soon as the
baby birds leave the box, ded-
icated nature lovers clean out Jane
the old nest, sweep inside JAN
with a paintbrush and secure
the door so the box can be GAR
used to raise a second brood.
Eastern towhees have built a twiggy
nest-in a Schilling's holly, Ilex vomitoria
bush within 10 feet of my porch. Never
pruned, this 12-year-old native is 5 feet
in diameter and 4 feet high. The dense
foliage and tangle of twigs provide ideal
cover and security from predators.
Bowls of clean water on the ground
beneath this holly provide water for
drinking and bathing.
My favorite avian visitor to the gar-
den is the tiny, ruby-throated humming-
bird. To lure this flying jewel to the
porch, I planted a selection of nectar-
rich red, tubular flowers that bloom
before the hummers return from their
winter sojourn down south in the
Caribbean islands and tropics.
Beside the Schilling's holly, I planted
a native coral honeysuckle, Lonicera
sempervirens, at the base of a dying
turkey oak tree. Unfortunately, the snag
fell, so the scrambling vine took over a
steel trellis and now scampers over the
ground.
Just off the raised deck, tall spikes of
native red sage, Salvia coccinea, peek

\
8

above deck level. Hummers
hover to drain each flower
Sl- then buzz off to the next Non-
invasive, exotic red pentas
grow to 3 feet tall in the pro-
tected microclimate under the
south-facing porch roof and
start to bloom early in March,
shortly after the last frost
This older, less-hybridized
Veber penta is half-hardy and sur-
E'S vives winter in this location.
In winter, white frost blanket
DEN drapes the edge of the porch,
ready for those few freezing
nights; little trouble for the reward of
hummingbirds visiting at teatime.
By far the most prolific flowering small
tree is red bottlebrush, one of 25 ever-
green Callistemon species originating in
Australia. Masses of clusters of nectar-rich
flowers in dense cylindrical spikes bloom
from a few weeks after the last frost in
March until December Callistemon is a
hummingbird and butterfly buffet
Hummers' diet includes tiny insects
that are also attracted to bottlebrush
flowers. These 3 1/2-inch birds feed five
to eight times an hour Half of the day,
they perch, high on tree twigs to survey
their territory and rest Tiny, expandable
nests made of lichen, spider silk and soft
fibers are anchored to branches.
The tips of the bottlebrush flowers
grow leafy shoots after flowering. The
long-lasting, woody seed capsules
become embedded in the growing
branch. Nip off as many spent flower
spikes as possible on a regular basis to
encourage more flowers and a denser,
more compact, smaller tree. Nurseries
shear rows of potted trees several times

CATHY KAPULKA/Chronicle file

A hummingbird looks for a snack in a red bottlebrush.

a year. Ten-inch diameter pots retail
between $10 and $15. A 14-inch diame-
ter potted bottlebrush about 4 to 5 feet
tall costs around $35.
Butterflies and hummingbirds visit
daily to sip flower nectar while I sip tea
on the porch. Enjoy your garden and
the wildlife living in it

Jane Weber is a professional gardener
and nursery owner. She welcomes
weekend visitors to her Florida
Friendly Yard and Wildlife Habitat at
5019 W. Stargazer Lane, Dunnellon.
Call (352) 465-0649.

FABULOUS custom built
*S300u,0U" pool home perfectly
situated on manicured
Pine Ridge home site.
Fantastic great room with
,a' high ceilings and
tastefully appointed with crown molding and
beautiful tile. Awesome floor plan with separate
office, split bedrooms, pool bath and inside
laundry. A Must Seel Priced To Selll #320172

HERE IS A NICE
$ , HOUSE, and priced
_. right. Two bedroom,
B I and a quarter bath
well maintained
home. Roof 1 year
S.. -". old. Family room, two
" screen porches, one
with hot tub. Storage shed. Nice corner lot in great area.
#316779

BEVERLY HILLS

I _BLACK DIAMOND RANCH

COME SIT on
$295,000 your patio and
watch the golfers
.- -. play through. -
l -This house is on
the second hole
of the World Famous Quarry Course. The
great room has huge built-in with fireplace.
Bedroom and bathroom with separate entry.
New Roof 3/08. Storage galorel #320003

GREAT
220 ~ OPPORTUNITY
on this Bart6n
Move in
condition, comes
fully furnished.
New carpet in master, golf cart parking,
exterior of house just painted. #316670

...I I. m t-a1 r. 3..
a .mia'..rcd a'.]
Lcgs eai s. kaiet ,n and
inside laundry. Roof replaced in 2001. New tile in full
both and tub redone. New hot water heater. Dorrt'wait
this is truly a great buy. #317937

-- , ARE YOU READY TO
(..$1O f , �OWN THIS
: BEAUTY? Wonderful,
well maintained home
with new paint inside
and out. New
refrigerator, stove,
porcelain sink, and faucet. New carpeting in most of
house, and gorgeous tiled floors. Beautiful yard with
big trees. Roof is two years old. #307379

" S14,90 EXTREMELY
24,90ELL KEPT
HOME. New
roof 11/2007.
2 bedrooms,
1 bath. Pride
of ownership is very evident. This home backs
up to pasture for privacy. Close to Forest
Ridge ELEMENTARY, library, and park.
Furniture negotiable. #322834

0 ' X FABULOUS VIEW of
699 the third hole on the
world famous Quarry
Golf Course. Storage
galore 2nd kit. in very
� large oversized 3 car
garage. Security system with sensors in the screens. Large
lanai with the tranquil sounds of the Fountain coming from
the pool. Priced $91,000 under appraised value. No
membership purchase necessary. #323704

HERE'S WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR - This 8
Acre (MOL) site is perfect for the buyer looking for
some elbow room. Plenty of room for mini ranch or
farm. 600' borders Rails to Trails. Parcel consists
of 8+ platted lots. On Paved Road. Being sold to
settle estate. Will consider all offers. #324280.
ASKING $154,900.
Pat Davis, Agent

FLORAL CITY. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath mobile has an
extra 11'8"x23' bonus room, living room, dining room,
kitchen, open porch and screened porch. This home
needs some tender loving care but with a little effort you
can have a great home here. It's on a half acre mol with
some awesome grandfather oaks. $64,900.
Call Ruth Frederick 1-352-563-6866.

TOO HOT OTSIDE Cool off n the pool 3/2/2 home . ,
with sunny Fla. Room and large glass enclosed porch '-e,'-.-" .-. . 4&: ."W
situated on double (160x120) lot. Over 2550 sq. ft. under NESTLED IN A WOODED LOT. 1997, 2BR, 2BA
roof. New roof and interior paint. Allowance in price for mobile home with addition, enclosed porch and
new flooring. Plenty of room to park RV or boat. Needs obile home with addition, enclosed porch and
some TLC but there is a lot of value here for the pnce. utility shed. Move-in condition. Located between
Property is being sold to settle estate. Seller will Floral City and inverness, public water. PRICED AT
consider reasonable offer. #324881. $149,400. $49,900. #311634.
Pat Davis, Realtor Call Cheryl Scruggs at 352-726-6668

doublewide with a total usable space approx. 2105 sq. ft.
The Jenn-Air island kitchen area opens to an
extraordinary family room with built-in entertainment
center and bookshelves, the living room with bay
windows also has a built-in entertainment area. FORMAL
dining room is adomed with stained glass China cabinet.
Extra large walk-in shower. PARK sports two pools,
activities and more. Large workshop plus shed & carport
and glassed-in porch. MUST SEE AT $49,900.
Call Doris Miner at 344-1515 or 422-4627

r h.r. I."
room to the in-law setup just off the LARGE screened
pool area. Great room, Split floor plan, 2 fireplaces,
large breakfast bar, living room, family room, play room,
enclosed lanai and much more situated on just over a
half acre. RV Parking! #323006
.Ask for Maxine Hellmers 352-212-4147
or Kimberly Miner 352-586-9549

WATERFRONT HOME. VERY NICE home on wide
open lakefront. 3/2 with family room and Florida
room. Fireplace with ceramic tile floors. New
cabinets in kitchen and large master suite.
$295,000. #324429
Call Barb Monahan at 726-0094

GREAT WEEKENDER OR GETAWAY - WATERFRONT.
This vintage mobile has been redone and is in
excellent condition. Water Conditioning System, Drain
field, New Laminate Flooring, Fencing & Gates,
Updated electric AND MORE all since 2004. Dock
with nice platform to sit and fish or just relax. MOVE
RIGHT IN. #324307. ASKING $53,900.
Pat Davis, Realtor